Helen Mary Acheson
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. – Helen Mary Acheson, 62, passed away at home on Oct. 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a heroic battle with ovarian cancer.
Born on Jan. 21, 1964 in Rochester, N.Y. to James M. Acheson and Carolyn (Mendros) Acheson, Helen grew up in Westbrook, Maine and graduated from Westbrook High School. She later became a certified reflexologist. As the headstrong, determined oldest of seven siblings, she quickly honed her caregiving and leadership skills—qualities that would define her relationships with people throughout her life.
Helen married Philip Rich in 1986, to whom she was married for 29 years. They settled in Windham where they raised their children: Jordan, Christopher, and Emily. The children attended Westbrook schools where Helen became a devoted advocate for the school department’s esteemed music program.
Throughout her life starting in high school, Helen was a compassionate personal caregiver for individuals facing severe, life-limiting conditions. She strived to ensure those in her care maintained their comfort, integrity, and dignity. Her fierce protection of her loved ones earned her the nickname “Hurricane Helen.”
Helen had a lifelong love for travel. She felt most at peace in nature, especially by the water, and found immense joy in camping, hiking, kayaking and exploring the outdoors. She passed this enthusiasm on to everyone around her, taking countless cross-country road trips, and inviting friends and family to experience her favorite places and beyond, including the coast of California and the lakes, mountains, and coast of Maine.
Helen faced her devastating 2025 ovarian cancer diagnosis with tremendous strength, undergoing aggressive treatments, with an unwavering commitment to her family, especially her beloved baby grandson, Aiden (aka her handsome), who was the light of her life.
Helen was predeceased by her father, James M. Acheson, stepfather, Conrad Bellerose; treasured son, Christopher Rich, and son-in-law, Eric Voss.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jordan and Meagan Rich and grandson, Aiden, of Winter Garden, Fla.; daughter, Emily Rich, formerly of Los Angeles, Calif.; partner John Bellerose; and cherished dogs, Pudge and Maisie. She is also survived by her mother, Carolyn (Mendros) Bellerose, stepmother, Ann Acheson; six siblings, Julianna Acheson Holmdahl (Lars), James Acheson, Marion Acheson-Silver (Richard Silver), Elizabeth Heasly (Gabe), Katherine Kerkam (Ted) and Daniel Acheson (Katie); her uncle, William Acheson (Peg); as well as many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and wonderful friends.
The family will have a private celebration of Helen’s life next summer at their home in Pemaquid Harbor, Maine.
Those wishing to donate in Helen’s memory may give to the National Park Foundation, https://www.nationalparks.org/ or the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), https://ocrahope.org/