Helen W. Sullivan

AMHERST - Helen W. (Nowick) Sullivan, 91, of Amherst, died peacefully Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, at home with family. She was the beloved wife of Charles E. Sullivan, who passed away in 2013.

Helen was born at home in Maynard. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Nowick, who emigrated from Poland. Growing up, Helen and her future husband Charles lived within a mile of one another. It was the Maynard of textile mills, the Depression, and the build-up to World War II. Helen graduated from Maynard High School in 1942, and along with women of that period, joined the workforce and war effort – as Charles entered the Marine Corps and served in the South Pacific. Helen's family and friends will forever cherish the sometimes-curled but carefully preserved photographs of the young, vibrant and dashing couple.

During the war and post-war era, Helen worked at American Optical in Southbridge, Polaroid Corporation in Cambridge, the district office of Congressman Philip J. Philbin and the Bubier and Reilly Insurance Agency. Helen and Charles were happily wed in July of 1946. Helen was always active in the planning for church, school, family, holiday and town events.

In 1965, Helen and her family moved westward to Amherst. She was a long time employee of Amherst College, including service in the biology department and finishing her career as the lead staff of the college's mathematics department.

Some of her favorite pastimes included family gatherings, lunches with her co-workers, serving as an election officer in South Amherst, viewing public broadcast offerings, walks with her children and grandchildren, dressmaking and completing the New York Times crossword puzzle – in pen!

Helen is survived by sons David M. Sullivan of Florence, Michael J. Sullivan (Cynthia) of McLean, Virginia, John C. Sullivan of Amherst, and Stephen E. Sullivan of Amelia Court House, Virginia; granddaughters Rebecca A. Hayes (Bryan) and Josefa M. Sullivan; great-grandchild Declan Hayes; sister Veronica Gregg (James) of Wellesley Hills; brother Henry Nowick (Paula) of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers Frank, John and Stanley.

Visiting hours are Thursday, Dec. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave. (Rte 111), Acton. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Dec. 18, at 9 a.m. in St. Bridget's Church, 1 Percival St., Maynard. Burial will follow in St. Bridget's Cemetery, Great Road, Maynard.

All of Helen's loved ones would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the visiting nurse staff who provided such exemplary care to both Helen and Charles.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to VNA & Hospice of Cooley Dickinson, 168 Industrial Drive, Northampton, MA 01060.

Memorial page www.actonfuneralhome.com.

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