Pamela I Helfrich

Pamela I. (Contino) Helfrich, a beacon of kindness and an exceptional nurse, passed away surrounded by her loving family on December 6, 2025. She was 78 years old.

Born in Boston and raised in Quincy, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Regina (Pultorak) Contino. Pamela was a proud product of the Quincy High School before continuing her education at Quincy College. Her journey in nursing created lasting impacts on countless individuals, particularly at Quincy City Hospital and later at South Shore Hospital, where her dedication to her patients earned her the Nurse of the Year accolade at Quincy City Hospital.

Married to her beloved husband, Bill, for nearly 29 beautiful years, Pamela cultivated a life rich in love and mutual devotion. The couple's shared passion for travel saw them exploring the sights of Mexico and the cultures of Europe, creating a tapestry of memories to cherish forever. They stood together, rooted in faith and companionship, as devout attendees at their church every week until the unprecedented times of COVID.

Pamela's nurturing spirit extended far beyond her professional life as a committed mother and wife. She poured her care into her family, working tirelessly to provide comfort, support, and the warmth of her handcrafted crochet creations. Her skillful hands, which once painted vivid images in her youth, now wove blankets and sweaters that would embrace her grandchildren with the same love that she put into each stitch.

Amongst friends, she was the epitome of constancy, maintaining long-standing relationships with a close-knit group, in particular, the Selfish Shower Group in Hanover. Her kindness mirrored her ability to forge connections that stood the test of time. Additionally, Pamela's prowess in the kitchen was unmatched; her pumpkin bread and snickerdoodles were the stuff of legend, eagerly anticipated at every gathering.

Pamela was indeed a paragon of strength—a strong woman, mother, and caring wife. She approached caregiving, both professionally and personally, with an intelligence that was as humbling as it was empowering. It was a testament to her nurturing character that she managed to care in ways that might not always have been obvious, but were always profoundly felt.

Even as dementia began to cloud her sharp mind around 2020, Pamela's loving and kind nature never faltered. Her legacy is one of unwavering love, hard work, and an intelligent approach to life's challenges—a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Pamela I. Helfrich will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always celebrated.

Pam graced this world with love, compassion, and a boundless work ethic that touched the lives of all who knew her.

Pam is survived by her loving husband Dr. William Helfrich. She is also survived by her seven children: Kristen Sheehan, Nicole Sullivan, Dayna Falla, Brett Curran, the late William Helfrich, Kristen Mendl-Day, and Susan Helfrich Jennings as well as her 17 grandchildren. Pam was the sister of William Contino and his wife Diane. Also survived by two nieces. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 4-8 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 19, 2025 in St. Francis Xavier Church, Weymouth at 10 AM. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pam’s name may be made to Croi Healthcare, formerly Norwell VNA and Hospice, 120 Longwater Drive, Norwell, MA 02061.