Helen Rose (Gentile) DeMaggiopassed away peacefully on November 30th, 2019 with family by her side at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care at DHMC. Her death ended a very long courageous struggle against cancer and the side effects of treatment. In spite of her medical issues she led a full and active life surrounded by loving family and friends.

She was born on May 15, 1933 to Joseph and Rose Gentile and lived her early life in Medford, Massachusetts. She graduated from Medford High School in 1950 and attended business school in Boston prior to joining the Raytheon Company in Waltham, Massachusetts. She married Augustus (Gus) DeMaggio in 1954 and together they raised three children, Derna, Lisa and Gus Jr. They made their home in New Jersey and then Paris, France before moving to Hanover, NH in 1964.

For a number of years in the 1970's and 1980's Helen worked as a Teacher's Aide at the Bernice A. Ray school and later at the Richmond Middle School in Hanover. She was devoted to her young students. Long after her retirement former students would recognize her and re-introduce themselves to tell her how much she influenced them.

Helen was also active in the Hanover Girl Scouts, Saint Denis Church and the Ford Sayre Ski program where she taught for many years. She was an enthusiastic tennis player, ardent golfer and she greatly enjoyed the companionship of her many friends at the Dartmouth Skiway. She often said some of her most pleasurable times were with her "ski ladies" who met weekly at the Skiway during the Winter season and with her "card ladies" who met frequently for many years.

Above all else Helen was a dedicated, devoted and nurturing mother who found her greatest happiness in being with her family. She cherished family get togethers and made a special effort to attend her children's and grandchildren's school and athletic events. She will be remembered as a warm and loving individual who was determined, self-sufficient and fiercely independent. She never complained no matter what hardships she faced.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her beloved sister Rosalie DeVita and brother John Gentile. She is survived by her husband of 65 years Gus DeMaggio and children Derna DeMaggio, Lisa Cudhea (Cameron), Augustus (Gus) DeMaggio Jr. (Mihaela); granddaughters Taylor Cudhea, Elaina DeMaggio and Maria DeMaggio; grandsons Aiden Cudhea and Caiyu DeMaggio; brothers Joseph Gentile (May) and Arthur Gentile (Betty); several nieces and nephews especially Rosemary DeVita and Linda Foley; brother-in-law Louis DeMaggio and sister-in-law Louise Gentile.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Robert E. Marx (Deering Hospital, Miami, FL), Dr. Benoit J. Gosselin (DHMC) and Dr. Christine Medora (Hanover Continuity Clinic) for the skilled professional and personal care they provided to Helen for many years. We also acknowledge the care, consideration and attention she received from Dr. Takahashi and her team at DHMC, the special treatment of the nurses and staff on 2W, and the kindness and frequent responses from the Respiratory Therapy staff. We thank also the doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers at the Jack Byrne Center for Hospice and Palliative Care at DHMC for their care and compassion during Helen's extended hospice stay.

At Helen's request there will be no calling hours or funeral. A Memorial Service is planned for a later date.