S. Helena (Goss) Dion

Susan Helena Dion of West Newbury, Massachusetts passed away surrounded by her loving family on September 3, 2024.  She was 63 years old. Helena was born in Biddeford Maine, the youngest child of Milton and Sylvia Goss of Saco Maine. She grew up and attended schools in Saco.  Helena received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Maine at Orono in 1983 and pursued a career in journalism and public relations. Throughout her professional life she lived in Maine and Washington DC.

Helena married her best friend and love of her life Richard (Rick) Dion on July 14, 1990 after which she moved to Massachusetts, living in West Newbury for the last 30 years. Helena and Rick have two beautiful daughters, Madison age 29 of West Newbury and Emma age 26 of Washington DC.

Helena loved to travel and visited more than 40 countries over the course of her life. Helena was very outgoing with an infectious smile and sense of humor. She made friends everywhere she went – including on her travels. She loved hiking and cycling and would most often combine her travels with outdoor activities. She hiked and cycled through multiple countries in Europe and rarely passed a winery without a stop.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Helena was a talented artist and enjoyed pastel painting throughout her entire life. Countless friends and family have her artwork on display to enjoy.

Helena loved gardening and spent endless hours making certain her gardens were fit for a tour. She was a long-time member of the West Newbury Garden Club and managed several club committees through the years. She combined her love of gardening and pastels when she was a part of the West Newbury Garden tour in 2022 – a highlight of her later years in life. She was very proud of her gardens and anyone that stopped by admired them fondly. Her gardens will live on in her memory.

Helena loved so many things passionately – especially the outdoors and spent an immeasurable amount of time watching birds, listening for owls and watching deer, coyotes, fox, racoons and other animals in her back yard. She loved walks on the beach and often filled jars with special shells and colored rocks. You could find her scavenging shorelines near her family homes in Wells Beach, Maine or St. Petersburg, Florida, as well as other beautiful beaches she visited during her travels around the world. She loved reading and had a vast collection in her library.

Helena had countless friends and family that she loved spending time with and always enjoyed a funny story or inside joke. She loved music and going to concerts with her daughters and husband and friends. She was extremely witty and quick with her jokes and was very expressive. She always put everyone’s needs and desires ahead of her own.  She had so many loved ones, which is a testament to how amazing of a woman that she was. She will be incredibly missed beyond words.

Helena is survived by her husband Rick, daughters Madison and Emma and brothers Jonathan Goss of Rockport Maine and Andrew Goss of Harrison Maine.

A celebration of life will be held starting at noon on September 20, 2024 at the Tuscan Sea Grill and Bar in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Helena loved colors (especially green) and would prefer a festive and happy send-off – please wear green or other bright colors and leave your black at home! Helena lived a colorful and fun life and we will celebrate her with all of the enthusiasm and spirit that she deserves. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport is assisting Mrs. Dion’s family with her arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Tough Warrior Princesses (toughwarriorprincess.com), a local organization that supports women with cancer.

To offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com