Doris Desjardins Hellesen

Doris Desjardins Hellesen, age 70, of Merrimack, NH, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, at Hanover Health Nursing Home in Manchester, NH, after a courageous battle with dementia. Born on October 11, 1954, in Nashua, NH, Doris was a graduate of Nashua High School, Class of 1972. During her decades-long career as a hair stylist, she spent the majority of her time at Stephen Marx Salon in Milford, NH, where her talent and warm personality earned her the trust and loyalty of her clients. Doris had a remarkable gift for making everyone in her chair feel special, and the relationships she built through her work were among her greatest joys. Later in life, Doris embraced new challenges and returned to school, earning a certificate in Paralegal Studies. She loved to travel and found her favorite destination in Maui, Hawaii, where she felt at peace and surrounded by beauty.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 23 years, James Hellesen, of Merrimack, NH; her stepdaughter, Jennifer Ford, and her husband, Todd Ford, of Litchfield, NH, along with their children, Marley, Gwendolyn, and Oliver; and her stepdaughter, Jamie Hellesen, of Boston, MA. Doris is also survived by her sister, Vivian Johnson, of Hollis, NH; her nephew, Steve Johnson, and his wife, Amy, of Boscawen, NH, and their daughter, Emma; and her niece, Melissa MacQuarrie, and her husband, Robin, of Goodlettsville, TN, and their daughter, Charlie. Doris will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

No formal services will be held at this time, her family will gather privately in the spring to celebrate her life and cherish the memories she left behind. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of New Hampshire, Manchester. To view Doris’s Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.