Helen Deepneau's Journey to Independence

Helen's transformation from a battered wife to a strong, independent woman.

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The Victim

A Life of Fear The Beating Helen Deepneau is beaten by her husband Ed for signing a petition. She is taken to the hospital, where she meets Gretchen Tillbury, a counselor from WomanCare. Helen is ashamed and afraid, but she begins to see that she deserves better. The Shelter Helen moves to High Ridge, a shelter for battered women. She is terrified of Ed, but she is also determined to protect her daughter Natalie. She begins therapy and learns that she is not alone. The First Steps Helen files for divorce and gets a job at the Derry Public Library. She starts to build a new life. She is still afraid, but she is no longer helpless.

The Survivor

The High Ridge Attack Terror Returns Ed's followers attack High Ridge, killing Gretchen Tillbury. Helen and Natalie are trapped in the cellar as the house burns. She believes she is going to die. Rescue Ralph and Lois appear and lead them to safety. Helen is reunited with Natalie. The attack strengthens her resolve. She will not let Ed win. The Rally Despite the trauma, Helen insists on attending Susan Day's speech that night. She sees it as a way to honor Gretchen and stand up to the forces that tried to kill her. She is no longer a victim – she is a survivor.

A New Life

Moving Forward Independence After Ed's death, Helen receives an insurance settlement that allows her to buy a house on Harris Avenue. She raises Natalie on her own, working at the library. She dates John Leydecker briefly, but eventually finds love with a woman named Melanie. A Mother's Strength Helen becomes a strong, independent woman. She is no longer defined by her abuse. She is a mother, a librarian, a friend. She teaches Natalie that she can be anything she wants to be. Gratitude Helen never forgets what Ralph did for her. She visits Lois often, and Natalie calls Lois "Aunt Lois." Ralph's sacrifice gave them a second chance, and they make the most of it.

August 1993

October 8, 1993

After October 1993