Helen E. McGrath

Helen E. McGrath BRAINTREE Helen E. (Arnold) McGrath, 91 years of age, wife of the late Richard M. McGrath died peacefully October 27th, 2008 at her daughters home in Sandwich, MA. Beloved mother of Karen (McGrath) Burns, and her husband, John, of Sandwich; Kevin M. McGrath of Lowell, Vermont and James E. McGrath, of Braintree, and the late Richard E. McGrath. Loving and devoted grandmother of Caroline and Olivia McGrath of Milton and Mitchell and Carly Burns of Sandwich. Dear sister of Esther Crosby of Wrentham and Gordon Arnold and his wife, Agnes, of Largo, Florida and the late Franklin, Richard and Robert Arnold and Priscilla LeVangie. Cherished sister-in-law of Patricia Arnold of Marshfield, Elizabeth Stevens, of Harwich and Agnes McGrath of Boynton Beach, Florida. She is also survived by many adoring cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Helen was born and raised in Braintree and was a life-long Braintree resident. She spent her summers at Humarock. Helen graduated from Braintree High School in the class of 1936 and through the years she continued to plan the yearly class reunions. She graduated from the Boston School of Dental Nursing in 1937. For many years she worked for Doctor Albert Allen, Sr. and Dr. Clarence Ludlow, in Braintree, before retiring at the age of 75. She was affectionately known as "Aunt" Helen when she worked for several years at her nephews catering company, Farrelly Catering, of Braintree. Helen was dedicated to her Catholic faith which sustained her during her brief illness. As the matriarch of her family she was a loyal listener, nurturer and confidante to her large group of relatives, neighbors and friends. Her energy was endless and her skills were numerous. Helen's love for her family knew no bounds. She treasured her moments with her grandchildren and devoted her time taking them to the beach, reading to them, and lovingly teaching them all of their many talents especially baking and knitting. She was a voracious reader who happily accomplished the daily crossword puzzles. She rejoiced in watching her beloved Red Sox win the World Series. Helen was an active volunteer for the Town of Braintree working at the polls during elections. She was a former member of the Braintree Women's club and a member of the Braintree Historical Society. She was proud to be a direct descendant of John Alden of the Plymouth Mayflower. In early years she was active in Campfire Girls and Cub Scouts. She was a member of the Sodality at St. Francis of Assisi parish in Braintree and had been long connected with the church. Funeral from the Mortimer N. Peck - Russell Peck Funeral Homes, 516 Washington Street, BRAINTREE, Friday at 9:30 a.m. leaving from the funeral home. Funeral Mass in St. Francis of Assisi Church, SOUTH BRAINTREE SQUARE at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Randolph at 11:45 a.m. Visiting hours Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be sent to the Palliative Care of Cape Cod 765 Attucks Lane Hyannis, MA 02601 or to the New England Sinai Foundation 150 York Street Stoughton, MA 02072. For directions and information please see www.peckservices.com.