Helen Audrey O'Connor

Helen Audrey (Beers) O'Connor, 71, a resident of Chelmsford for the last 44 years, passed away suddenly at Lowell General Hospital on March 30, 2008. She was the beloved wife of Thomas J. O'Connor, with whom she would have celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on June 24, 2008. Helen was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 11, 1936, the daughter of the late Kenneth and Rose (Fitzgerald) Beers. She attended schools in Pittsburgh, PA, Troy, NY and graduated from St. Mary's High School in Melrose. She graduated from the St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing in Worcester in 1957.

Besides her husband, she is survived by her children: Maryrose and her husband Simon Knott of Easton, CT, Kathleen M. and her husband Michael Espinola of Groton, Thomas E. O'Connor and his wife Laura of Groton, Julie P. and her husband Thomas Daly Jr. of Pepperell, Patricia E. and her husband John Kettlestrings of Frederick, MD and John P. and his fiancée Kelly Walsh of Brookline. She is also survived by her brother, Kenneth Beers and his wife Vicky of Milford. She was the proud and loving grandmother of Stephen, Alicia, and Joseph Espinola, Shelagh, Tara and Alannah Daly, Aine and Kieran Knott, Alexandra and Olivia O'Connor and Paul and Sean Kettlestrings. She also leaves her dear friend, Judy Delaney of Chelmsford, her son Jeffrey, his wife Tracy and their children Kayla and Abbey Delaney of Pepperell.

As a Registered Nurse Helen served on the staff of St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Medical Associates in Chelmsford, Lowell General Hospital and Saints Memorial Hospital in Lowell. Recently, she helped organize the 50th reunion for her classmates at St. Vincent.

Helen was an avid correspondent. She maintained contact with many lifelong friends, including Annemarie (Carey) Bielawa and Sandra (Brady) Kelley, both of Troy, NY. She also corresponded regularly with family and friends in Ireland and her nursing school friends. Being retired, Helen would travel to visit family and friends as well. She loved going to Florida, California and Ireland. Leisure trips with her husband was also an enjoyment with many trips to Hawaii, Australia and cruises to Alaska and through the Panama Canal. Helen found true enjoyment in bringing family and friends together. She planned many parties for birthdays and holidays, particularly St. Patrick's Day and the 4th of July. As an avid sports fan, she also celebrated the Red Sox World Series championships and the Patriots Super Bowl victories with large family gatherings. As a devoted grandmother, Helen was sure to attend any and all events, from school concerts and dance recitals to science fairs and Grandparent's Day. Her love of sports extended to her grandchildren, as she was always the loudest cheerleader on the sidelines.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday evening from 4 to 8pm at the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday morning at 9 o'clock at St. Mary's Church, Chelmsford. Interment in Pine Ridge Cemetery. To honor her love for her children, grandchildren, and the Red Sox, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen's name to the Jimmy Fund C/O Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226 ATTN: Contribution Services. Arrangements by BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, Chelmsford.

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