Helen

Eldred

Helen Eldred, 88, of East Montpelier, Vermont, died peacefully on November 3, 2026.

Helen was born on November 16, 1937, in Chelsea, Vermont, to Francis and Barbara (Towne) Scott. She grew up in Massachusetts and Vermont with her sister, Maude, and brother, Roy, and alongside her cousin Arlene Preston, who was like a sister to her. She was especially close to her grandmother Katie and grandfather Arthur Hill.

From 1991 to 1994, Helen served her country as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Nawojowa, Poland, during a historic period of economic transition. She taught business and English at a Polish college, while also serving as a grant writer, administrator, and advisor to her students. During her time there, she even called a 65-room castle home.

Helen completed advanced, university-accredited certification in Business Administration and Management through the National PONSI program. Beyond the classroom, she worked tirelessly to connect with resources in the United States to obtain books, medical supplies, and other necessities for her students and the orphanages she supported.

Her heart for helping others extended far beyond her professional responsibilities. She volunteered at a local orphanage, caring for and teaching children during a time of great need. Affectionately known throughout the community as “Pani Helen,” she took tremendous pride in the relationships she built and the lives she touched.

Helen's curiosity and love of adventure also took her around the world, and she traveled to 31 countries during her lifetime.

After returning home from her Peace Corps service, Helen partnered with her daughter, Michelle, to establish Snow Hill Property Management. Her career spanned many years and a variety of organizations, including Van Raalte, Montgomery Ward, Sprague Electric, NY & VT Granite Trucking, Backman Distribution, Orange North Supervisory Union, Montpelier Schools, Vermont Farm Bureau, and Vermont State Housing, where she worked until her retirement. Throughout her career, Helen wore many hats, with experience in executive leadership, bookkeeping, business management, and property management. She took pride in being willing to step in, support others, and serve people from all walks of life. Her dedication, resourcefulness, and strong work ethic carried through every position she held.

Above all, the family remained close to Helen’s heart. She was a longtime source of love, support, and caregiving for her special granddaughter, Shelby Lavigne, and held a very meaningful place in her life.

Helen volunteered as a trustee of a private kindergarten, served on the East Montpelier district school board, was a Girl Scout leader, and was treasurer of the Service Guild. She was a Sunday school teacher in Chelsea and East Montpelier, and also served as Sunday school superintendent, board director, education curriculum director, and member of multiple committees. She was a shelter parent, and she mentored youth, boys and girls alike, through Boys and Girls First. She was an Altrusa member and part of the Toastmasters speakers group. She was involved in the AmeriCorps Neighbor to Neighbor as a mentor. She loved to learn and took part in many trainings over the years. She took up the ukulele, guitar, and choir, and enjoyed playing the uke at the Montpelier Senior Center and at home with her family.

Helen was known for her community involvement, deep empathy, adaptability, and strong work ethic, along with her leadership, project management, and cultural communication skills. She was never too dignified to do any job and would do anything asked of her.

She was well known for her flower arrangements, giving them to family and friends and also supporting events with her flowers. She had a love of music, dancing, enchanting vegetable and flower gardens, and pristine holiday table decor. She loved to decorate for every holiday, host large meals, and hold luncheons at her home, especially at Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Helen loved anything maple and prided herself on eating healthy.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Michelle Lavigne, and husband Matt Peake, and their children Kyley Lavigne Pollitt, Shelby Lavigne, Jacob Peake, Jordan Peake, and Logan Peake; son Shawn Hayward and wife Tonya of St. Johnsbury and their children Gage and Taylor Hayward; son Isaac Hayward and wife Judy of Johnson; daughter Pam Gile of Chelsea and her children Jamie and Jeremy Gile; son Brian Hayward of Chelsea and children Kris and BJ Hayward. Helen has left behind beautiful great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her brother, Roy Scott, and his wife Mary Ellen of South Hadley, Massachusetts; her lifelong cousin, Arlene Preston; a niece and nephews who were all very special to her.

She was predeceased by her sister, Maude Ansaldi, and her granddaughters, Mariah Lavigne and Ashley Hayward, and her nephew Alex Scott.

A service of remembrance for Helen will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Hooker & Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St #1, Barre, VT 05641. Calling hours will be from 2:30–4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Peace Corps to help continue the important work Helen dedicated herself to (https://www.peacecorps.gov/donate/). Please also consider buying yourself fresh flowers or planting a perennial in her memory. Her favorite was the peony.

The family thanks the hospice nurses who cared for Helen in her final days with the same kindness she gave to so many others. The family expresses significant gratitude to Valley View staff for their exceptional love and care in the final chapter of her life.