Helen M. Elkind

Helen M. (Turco) Elkind, 88, of Shrewsbury died peacefully Wednesday November 12, 2008 in the Knollwood Nursing Center. Her husband Benjamin Elkind died in 1967.

Helen is survived by two daughters Elaine C. Cobb and her husband Clifford of Florida, and Debra L. Stanwick and her husband Alan of Auburn, four grandchildren, Tracie Vallone-Sherwin, Anthony Vallone III, and Allison, and Jennifer Stanwick. and two great grandchildren, many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by two brothers; Henry and Thomas Turco and a sister in law Maria Turco.

Helen was born in Worcester daughter of Angelo and Christina (Toscano) Turco and lived in Shrewsbury most of her life. She was a graduate of Commerce High School, and worked for the Commonwealth Of Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance for many years before she retired. Helen was a talented singer and sang in many area churches for many years. She also sang Opera and was a long time member of the Worcester Light Opera Company. She enjoyed being with her family and will be dearly missed. She was a former member of the Church of St. Mary in Shrewsbury. The family would like to thank the staff at the Knollwood Nursing Center for their loving care of Helen.

Helen's funeral will be held on Friday November 14, from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. with a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00AM in the Church of St. Mary, 640 Main St. Shrewsbury. A calling hour will be held from 9:30AM to 10:30AM prior to leaving for church. Interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society 350 Plantation St. Worcester, MA. 01604