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Helen C. McKenna
1934 - 2025
BORN
1934
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Visitation
Dec. 8, 2025
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory
Send FlowersHelen McKenna Obituary
Helen C. McKenna, 91, of Stamford, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Helen was born in Boston, MA on October 8, 1934 to the late George and Helen Spry Carney.
Helen was raised in Boston living in Mattapan, Roslindale, Winthrop MA, Jamaica Plain and finally Canton MA after she was married. She moved to Stamford CT in 1969 and continued to live there for the rest of her life. She worked at Stamford Hospital for 31 years until she retired at the age of 75. Helen was affectionately known as "Nana" and cherished her time with her family (especially her grandchildren) and friends.
Helen is survived by her son Kenneth C. McKenna and wife Frances as well as her two beloved grandchildren; Melissa Swayze and Calum McKenna as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Besides her parents, Helen is predeceased by her husband Kenneth F. McKenna, her brother George Carney, and sister-in-law Shirley Carney.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Villa At Stamford and Stamford Hospital for the wonderful care she received in her final days.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT on Monday, December 8, 2025 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 97 South St, Boston, MA. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Avenue, Boston, MA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Helen's memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 or online at //dogood.t2t.org/give.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Helen McKenna
Dec
8
Funeral services provided by:
Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
Memories and Condolences
for Helen McKenna
Sponsored by Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory.
5 Entries
Barbara (Rotelli) Schulze
Yesterday
Ken, so sorry for the loss of your mom. I lived in Sylvan Knoll for a while when you were a teenager and my mom (Angie) worked with your mom. She was sweet, kind and funny. May she rest in peace.
Barbara Hutnik
December 5, 2025
Dear Jeb and family,
So sorry for your loss.. Your Mom was so very special. We had many enjoyable times together, always laughing.
Barbara Hutnik
Janet Rotelli Fusaro
December 5, 2025
Ken, I am so sorry to hear of Helen´s passing. I tried to reach her for a few years with no luck. She and my mom, Angie Rotelli worked together at Stamford Hospital for years. Helen had a beautiful sense of humor. They had a lot of laughs together. Again, my sympathy for your loss. Janet Rotelli Fusaro
Nancy Jamroga Rondano
December 5, 2025
Dear Kenny and family,
I´m so saddened to read about mom´s passing :(
Your mom was a very sweet and dear friend (while at SR) where we both looked forward to your daily visits !
Later years brought us together again where she continued to enjoy reading her book in the sunshine!
But there was nothing better than your daily visits that kept her heart full !! You are an amazing son Kenny !
I know she´s looking down from Heaven watching over you and your family now, just as you did for her everyday!
Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences.
May she rest in peace
With love,
Nancy xox
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Pat Land
December 5, 2025
Kenny, I was truly sorry to learn of your mother´s passing. I will continue to keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.She was always proud of you. Kenny, please know the love and attention you provided her was shown and known everyday.
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