Obituary: Helen Mary Acheson
Helen Mary Acheson, 62, passed away at her residence in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, on October 1, 2026, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Born on January 21, 1964, in Rochester, New York, she was the daughter of James M. Acheson, who died before her, and Carolyn (Mendros) Acheson, who survives her. Acheson spent her early years in Westbrook, Maine, where she graduated from Westbrook High School and later earned certification as a reflexologist.
As the oldest of seven siblings, she developed a reputation for determination and leadership that shaped her interactions with family, friends, and the people she cared for professionally. In 1986 she married Philip Rich, and the couple raised three children—Jordan, Christopher, and Emily—in Windham. While her children attended schools in Westbrook, she became an active supporter of the district’s music program, advocating for its value to students.
Throughout her adult life, Acheson worked as a personal caregiver for individuals facing severe, life‑limiting illnesses. She emphasized comfort, dignity, and integrity in every encounter, a commitment that earned her the nickname “Hurricane Helen.” Her love of travel and the outdoors was a constant thread in her story. She found peace near water and enjoyed camping, hiking, kayaking, and exploring natural settings. Those passions led to numerous road trips across the United States, including visits to the California coast and the lakes, mountains, and shoreline of Maine, which she frequently shared with friends and relatives.
In 2025, Acheson was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She approached the diagnosis with resolve, undergoing aggressive treatment while remaining deeply devoted to her family, especially her grandson Aiden, whom she called “the light of her life.” She was preceded in death by her father, her stepfather Conrad Bellerose, her son Christopher Rich, and her son‑in‑law Eric Voss.
Acheson is survived by her son Jordan and daughter‑in‑law Meagan Rich, and her grandson Aiden, all of Winter Garden, Florida; her daughter Emily Rich, formerly of Los Angeles, California; her partner John Bellerose; two dogs, Pudge and Maisie; her mother Carolyn (Mendros) Bellerose; her stepmother Ann Acheson; six siblings—Julianna Acheson Holmdahl (Lars), James Acheson, Marion Acheson‑Silver (Richard Silver), Elizabeth Heasly (Gabe), Katherine Kerkam (Ted) and Daniel Acheson (Katie); her uncle William Acheson (Peg); numerous nieces, nephews, great‑nieces, great‑nephews; and many friends.
The family has announced a private celebration of Acheson’s life to be held next summer at their home in Pemaquid Harbor, Maine. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Park Foundation or the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.
