Helen C. Devlin

Helen C. (Lavina) Devlin, 82, of Wenham, passed away on Saturday, December 27th. Born on May 21, 1943, in Somerville, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Helen (Keating) Lavina. Known to family and friends as Cathy, she later moved with her family to Billerica, a town that remained central to her life.
Cathy was inducted into the National Honor Society during her high school years and later earned an associate's degree, where she again excelled academically. She earned multiple professional certifications and consistently achieved top results in her work. Cathy took pride in doing things well and was especially skilled at training others, developing programs, and sharing what she knew.
She began her career at the Sanborn Company as an executive assistant, where she met Edward "Sonny" Devlin. They married in 1965, and Cathy devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her two daughters, Tracy and Paulette, who were the greatest loves of her life. Her devotion to her daughters never wavered, and her pride in them was evident in all she did.
After many years focused on family, Cathy returned to the workforce, working as a florist at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, followed by positions as a purchasing assistant at Ideal Tape Company in Lowell and later at New England Motor Freight in Reading.
Cathy had a lifelong love of fashion and decorating and was always impeccably dressed, known by family and friends as the best dressed and most fashionable person in the room. She never missed red carpet coverage of award shows and enjoyed relaxing while watching the Hallmark Channel and Judge Judy. Cathy also cherished the friendships she made at Maple Woods in Wenham and held special affection for her grand-puppies, Avalanche and Harmony.
Cathy is survived by her daughters, Tracy Devlin and her husband David, and Paulette Devlin; her brothers, Anthony Lavina and Edward Lavina; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Paul Lavina.
Cathy, "Mum", was deeply loved and will be missed terribly.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, January 3rd from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Information, directions, and condolences may be found at www.campbellfuneral.com.