Helene M McHugh Credit: Courtesy
Helene Marie (Limoge) McHugh, 92, of Burlington, Vt., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
Born on June 5, 1933, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Arthur and Grace Limoge née Fortin. Helene grew up in the Old North End of Burlington and attended Nazareth Primary School before graduating from Cathedral High School in 1951.
After graduation Helene became a telephone operator at New England Telephone. Always independent, she worked her way up to a supervisor position there. In 1960, she married Valere Dion. They had five children together: Thomas, Stephen, Matthew, Melissa and Nicole.
In 1986 Helene found the love of her life in William “Bill” McHugh. Helene and Bill were married for many happy decades, together going to morning Mass and spending time with their family and friends, traveling, and going to parades and picnics.
A woman of deep Catholic faith, Helene was a devoted parishioner and volunteer. She gave her time generously to Catholic Charities, Christ the King Church and Rice Memorial High School. Her commitment to service extended beyond her faith community — she was actively involved with Meals on Wheels and could be found most summer nights in the South Park concession stand.
Helene was a proud Vermonter who cherished her Burlington roots. She was known for her independence, gratitude, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Everyone was “hon” to her. Her greatest joy was cheering on her children at their sporting events and spending time with her beloved grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her sons, Thomas and Stephen Dion; her husband, William McHugh; and her siblings, Jackie (and husband, Arnold Parker), Janice Robbins, Robert Limoge, and Richard Limoge (and wife, Rita Limoge).
Helene’s memory lives on in her brothers, Larry Limoge (and wife, Kathy Limoge) and Roland Limoge (and wife, Jay Limoge; as well as many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her children: Matthew Dion, Melissa Dion (and husband, Ken Carter), and Nicole Bauman née Dion (and husband, Todd Bauman).
“Meme” will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Elizabeth, Thomas and Jacob Dion; Izabella and Calvin Carter; and Abigail and Owen Bauman.
Helene’s family is deeply appreciative of the incredible care she received from Mansfield Place, Dr. Susanna Thach and the University of Vermont Hospice.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 — on what would have been Bill’s 96th birthday — from 11 a.m. to noon at the Ready Funeral Home South Chapel in Burlington, with a funeral service at noon. Burial will immediately follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery on Hinesburg Road in South Burlington. A celebration of life open house will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. at the St. John’s Club.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in Helene’s name to the Vermont Food Bank, your local Hospice/ VNA or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services.
To share online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.
