Denton a village in South Norfolk, England

Helen Denise Bryenton–Rochard 22nd April 1967 – 22nd January 2009

From the Parish News – April 2009

Helen was born in Brockdish and lived in the Harleston area all her life. She had two brothers David and Raymond and married Darren in 1995. After living initially in Harleston, Darren, Helen and their two daughters moved to Trunch Hill, Denton five years ago. Kira now aged 12 attends Archbishop Sancroft High School and Jessica aged 9 goes to Alburgh with Denton primary school.

As soon as Jessica started school Helen wanted to find a job which would not interfere with school hours and holidays, she decided to be a home help for just a few homes in Denton. Her wonderful outgoing and generous personality soon became an asset and valued friendships developed. Her life revolved around her much loved family, she enjoyed cooking, reading and mastered a computer, digital photography and finding bargains on the internet! She loved her life in Denton and felt lucky to experience the dawn and sunset views from her home where she took several photographs.

Three years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer; her positive attitude and her loving family helped her through the many hospital appointments and a period whilst seriously ill in hospital. For a time she bounced back to health with renewed enthusiasm for life. At this point she decided that she wanted to do something with her life and decided to embark on a training course to become a nurse specialising in dementia. She worked at Beecham House, Chedgrave and Trees Nursing Home, Harleston.

Sadly the cancer returned to the Lymph glands and the round of hospital appointments continued again with Darren at her side. During this time Helen supported her friend Lizzie Adeane who she once worked for in Denton. Lizzie was experiencing the same fight against a disease which took both friends' lives within weeks of each other. In the final weeks Helen was cared for in the Priscilla Bacon Lodge, Norwich where she, Darren, Kira and Jessica were supported. She passed away peacefully one night knowing that 'her beautiful girls would be very well looked after".

The funeral took place at St. Mary's Church Redenhall; the service was conducted to a packed congregation by Revd Gerald Epps. Close friends and family paid their tributes to someone who had touched their lives in so many ways. Helen's love of colour was shown by the wearing of something purple. Many stories were told of happy/hilarious memories shared including her love of high heels and how she impressed Darren on the first date by beating him at pool!

One of the most poignant parts of the service was a poem, written by Helen whilst in Priscilla Bacon Lodge, printed on the service sheet. The poem which was found by Darren amongst some papers was entitled: "To all my loved ones". It showed that her amazing capacity for giving to others remained with her to the end. Afterwards a cremation took place at Gorleston and a 'wake' followed at the 'Duke of York', Ditchingham. A collection for Priscilla Bacon Lodge and Macmillan Nurses was organised through Cossey Funeral Service, Bungay.

Our condolences go to Darren, Kira and Jessica together with their families and friends who have supported Helen and the close family over many months.

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