Helen Harriet (Coombs) Vigliotta

12/16/1934 – 9/30/2025

"A smile so bright, it would light up a room. Now as a star, you light up the sky."

If you knew Helen, you knew that family was at the heart of everything she did. Born in 1934 in Topsham, Maine, she was the fourth of fourteen children raised by Margaret (Cahill) Coombs and Harvey Butler Coombs. Though her childhood was modest in material wealth, it was rich in love—and that love became the foundation of who Helen was. It shaped her generous spirit, her unwavering kindness, and the sincere way she treated everyone she met.

Helen lived in Topsham and Brunswick, Maine until 1962, and worked as a waitress at the historic Harriet Beecher Stowe House for a decade. In 1954, she married Ronald Pulsifer, and later welcomed her two children, Gary and Kim. After moving to Revere, Massachusetts where Helen spent ten years working at the Fenway North Hotel, she met her second husband and the love of her life, Alfred "Dick" Vigliotta.

Helen and Dick shared 35 beautiful years filled with joy and adventure—traveling, gardening, cherishing time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and staying closely connected with their siblings and extended family. Their bond remained strong and loving until Dick's passing in 2008.

Helen spent 25 years as the dedicated office manager at New England Industrial Truck in Woburn, Massachusetts. After retiring, she and Dick returned to Topsham, Maine, where they were closer to family.

In retirement, Helen embraced her creative spirit. She lovingly crafted porcelain dolls, quilts, and memory books—treasured keepsakes for her children and grandchildren. She found joy in connecting with her siblings and eagerly anticipated the annual family reunions, which sometimes brought together more than 200 relatives. Sundays were devoted to church with her beloved sister Georgia, Fridays were filled with dinners alongside her daughter Kim and family, and each year brought trips to Jamaica with her sister Mona and brother-in-law Louie—simple traditions that brought her great happiness.

A breast cancer survivor, Helen turned her experience into action. Whenever she was able, she organized a "Relay for Life" team to support the American Cancer Society, raising thousands of dollars help fund research, support patients, and honor fellow survivors. Her strength and generosity inspired everyone around her.

Her last 15 years were spent in Lynn, MA with Kim, Jimmy and Scott, where she enjoyed reading stories to her great-grandson Niko, connecting with family and friends on Facebook, and creating family genealogy books.

Helen was a firecracker of a woman—full of life, love, and laughter. She always saw the good in people, no matter the circumstances. Generous, fun-loving, and kind, she brought joy to everyone around her and lived each day with a vibrant zest for life.

She will be lovingly and forever remembered by her son, Gary Pulsifer and his wife Lindy; her daughter, Kim Taylor and her husband Jim; and her six grandchildren: Kristen McBride, Samantha Morrell, Gary Pulsifer, Jim Taylor, Jennifer Demakes, and Scott Taylor. Her legacy continues through her six great-grandchildren: Olivia Walker, Taylor and Mackenzie Morrell, Kaelen McBride, and Niko and Elina Demakes. Helen is also survived by her three sisters: Betty Jean Nelson, Shirley Williams, and Mona Lacasse, along with many other cherished family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was predeceased by her sisters Gloria Lamonica, Jacqueline Skelton, Joyce Pulsifer, Judith Iler, and Georgia White, and her brothers Keith, Richard, Robert, Dana, and Winfield Coombs.

A memorial service to celebrate Helen's life will be held on Saturday, October 11 at 12 p.m. at Berean Baptist Church in Brunswick, Maine.

Donations to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life are welcome in lieu of flowers.