Helen McManus-Harron

Helen McManus-Harron formerly of Leominster and Northampton Largo, FL Helen McManus Harron of Largo, Florida and formerly of Leominster and Northampton died very peacefully on Wednesday, August 13th after a fulfilling and long life. She was born Helen Louise Hunt on March 31, 1912 on St. Joseph's Island, Ontario, Canada to Stanley and Elizabeth (Greig) Hunt. She completed her pre-graduate education on the island before continuing on to graduate as a registered nurse from the Pembrook Hospital College of Nursing, Ontario, Canada. Working as a nurse at the Mary McClellan Hospital in Cambridge, New York, she met Michael McManus and they married on December 7, 1940. Moving to Leominster, Helen devoted her time and energy to creating a loving, nurturing home and raising their six children. Michael established McManus Novelty in Fitchburg. As their children reached college age, Helen worked for Foster Grant Company until she retired in 1971. After Michael's death in 1978, Helen moved to Northampton to be closer to family. In 1984, friends introduced Helen to Bernard Harron at a tea dance, and, at 72, they were married, making their permanent home in Florida. Her life was enriched by the addition of the loving Harron and Haley families. Bernard died in June, 1998. Helen was quick to offer a gracious welcome, warm smile and the hand of friendship. She was generous with her time, always willing to help someone in need. Helen enjoyed a zest for life and travel, never feeling "too old" to experience new things. She will be remembered as a loyal friend, a loving sister and wife and a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Helen is survived by her loving children and family - Sandra (Michael) Sullivan of St. Petersburg, Florida, Sue (Ted) Merrick of New York, New York, Mary McManus of Chicago, Illinois, her son, Shaun McManus of Northampton, her daughter-in-law Dianne Champion of Westmoreland, New Hampshire, six grandchildren (Michael, Sean, Meghan, Daniel, Jennifer and Aidan), five great-grand children (Michael, Garrett, Emilee, Ruby and Liam), her sister, Emily Hunt McCool, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada, and her niece, Pat (Patrick) Allen, Echo Bay, Ontario, Canada, her step-daughter MaryAnn (Vincent) Haley of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, their family, and her sister-in-law Catherine McManus and family of Carmel, New York and many nieces and nephews in Ireland and England. Helen was also predeceased by her sons Keith (1960) and Greig (2004). MCMANUS-HARRON Visitation hours will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26th, 2008 in the Wright-Roy Funeral Home, 109 West Street, Leominster, Ma. On Saturday, September 27th, 2008 the Funeral will be held from the Wright-Roy Funeral Home 109 West St. in Leominster, with a Funeral Mass of Celebration and Thanksgiving for Helen's life will be held at 10am in St. Leo's Church, 128 Main Street, Leominster, followed immediately by burial in St. Leo's Cemetery, Leominster. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made in Helen's name to St. Leo's School Building Fund, 108 Main Street, Leominster, MA 01453, or perhaps extend your hand to someone in need as a tribute to your memory of Helen.