Helen-Louise Sanchez Paquin, 83

Helen-Louise ‘Lynn’ Sanchez Paquin, age 83, of St. Augustine, Florida, passed away on December 6, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Acushnet, Massachusetts, on March 13, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Capt. Edward Oliver Sanchez Sr. and Helen-Louise Reiss Sanchez. Her family had a deep ancestral connection to St. Augustine, Florida, a city rich in history as the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States. As part of one of the founding Spanish families, they made significant contributions to the city's maritime legacy, including commerce, fishing, salvage, and boat building. Their influence extended beyond Florida, reaching as far as the Cayman Islands and Honduras, as well as Block Island, RI, Newport, RI and New Bedford, MA in New England. Two regions historically important for trade and maritime activities.

Lynn grew up in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and spent Summers on Block Island where her father was born. After graduating from New Bedford High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Wheelock College in Boston, MA, and worked as a second-grade teacher in New Bedford for two years. Lynn and her late husband David Weaver Paquin began their married life in Marion, Massachusetts, where she became a dedicated wife, homemaker, and mother. She was deeply involved in her community, volunteering for local causes such as the Visiting Nurses Association and the Mother’s Club. She was an active member of both the First Congregational Church in Marion and the Harbor Church on Block Island, where she formed lasting friendships and created a legacy of kindness.

Lynn’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to real estate investment, beginning with the purchase of a small farm on Block Island. There, she developed rental properties and began Mouse House, a children’s toy store, that she ran enthusiastically for 12 years sharing her love of education for children.

In 2020, Helen returned to her family roots, becoming a seasonal resident of St. Augustine, and in 2022, she moved there permanently.

A gifted calligrapher, artist, and craftswoman, Lynn had a passion for painting, knitting, and gardening. She was an avid reader and lifelong learner, always curious about the world around her. She loved traveling, embracing new places and cultures around the world. Her creative spirit touched all who knew her, and she will be remembered for her kindness, artistic talents, and devotion to her family and community.

Lynn is preceded in death by her brother, Edward Oliver Sanchez Jr., and her nephew, Edward Oliver Sanchez III. She is survived by her daughter, Erica Lynn Paquin Meyers and her husband Peter Meyers of St. Augustine; her grandchildren, Elena Meyers and her fiancé Cody Cirrito of West Chester, PA and Adelyn Meyers of St. Augustine; her niece, Melissa Sanchez O'Reilly and her son Aidan O’Reilly of South Dartmouth, MA; and Lynn’s longtime partner, Gordon McIntosh of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.

Lynn’s life was defined by love, creativity, and generosity. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Harbor Church Block Island www.harborchurchblockisland.net , and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research www.michaeljfox.org

St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.