Helen Whitford

Mystic - Helen (Babonas) Whitford, 98, of Old Mystic and Englewood, Fla., died on Monday, April 22, 2013, at her home.

She was born in Stonington on Dec. 2, 1914, the daughter of the late Frank and Anna Babonas. Helen worked as a nurse's aide at the former Merwin Whipple Hall and Mystic Manor for over 40 years. In her spare time, Helen enjoyed gardening, sewing, and spending winters in Florida.

She married Alvin Whitford in Old Mystic, on Oct. 31, 1934. They were married for 78 years.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, Robert (Beverly) Whitford; a daughter, Ellen (Robert) Williams; her grandchildren, Randall Whitford, Andrew (Rosalyn) Whitford, an adopted granddaughter, Mary Siegel; and her great-granddaughters, Alexa and Kali.

She was predeceased by a brother, Ralph Babonas and a sister, Lillian Martin.

Helen's family will gather for a private service and burial. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations in her memory be made to the Old Mystic Methodist Church, PO Box 542, Old Mystic, CT 06372.

The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., historic downtown Mystic, is assisting the family.

To share a note of remembrance with her family, please visit www.dinotofuneral.com.