Helen M. Askew

Helen M. Askew, 90, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Born on March 3, 1935, in Fall River, she lived a life filled with love, perseverance, and deep connections to her family and friends. She was employed by Anderson Little Garment Factory Fall River Mass.

She loved her pastries from Leddy's Bakery and her Sunday morning service at Grace Gospel Church with her granddaughter Laura.  Helen also loved to dance at every occasion.

She is survived by her granddaughters, Laura J. Askew and Brittany Roy.

Her spirit lives on through her adored great-grandchildren: Janessa Perez, her wife Leah Perez, Leigha Eaton, Mayleigh Grillo, Bryson Grillo, and Aryiah Grillo, as well as her great-great-grandchildren, Azaiah and Arcaius Perez. Sharon Briggs, who was like a daughter she never had, remains one of her most treasured family members.

Helen was the wife of Gifford David Askew, Sr., who preceded her in death, along with her sons, Allen Askew and Gifford D. Askew, Jr. and her great-granddaughter, Jenelle "Nelly" Camara Eaton.

She was the daughter of Francisco and Mary Louise (Guilmette) Janeiro. She lost all of her siblings in her lifetime, including Dorothy Tavares, Margaret Tessier, Jeannette Coute, Antone Janeiro, Rosaline Carreiro, Florence Dupree, William Guilmette, Ida Bilodeau, and Alice Coute.

A visitation will be held on February 20, 2026, at Auclair Funeral Home in Fall River. from 4pm to 6pm.