Helen C. Parella

Helen C. (Catania) Parella, 97, of Worcester, passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2011, in Notre Dame Long Term Care Center. Her husband, Joseph J. Parella, predeceased her in 1967.

She is survived by her two daughters, Carolyn A. Parella of Worcester and Joanne E. Haddad and her husband Nicholas of Shrewsbury; a sister, Carmela Lipari of Winona, NJ; two grandchildren, Matthew J. Haddad of South Carolina and Merissa A. Haddad of Boston, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four sisters, Vincenza Bonanno, Mary Bonina, Annie Castagnolo and Rose Catania. Helen was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Carmelo and Giuseppa (Furnari) Catania. She was raised in South Philadelphia, but moved to Worcester in 1941 following her marriage.

As a member of Our Lady of The Rosary Church in Worcester, Helen would often send her delicious spaghetti and meatballs to "fatten up" the priests at the rectory. There she was a member of the Altar Society and Sodality, and helped to create costumes for the minstrel shows. Helen was also a member of the Guild of Our Lady of Providence, serving for many years as the coordinator of holiday parties for the pediatrics ward. As a member of the Rose Club, Opera Worcester, and the ITAM Club, she often volunteered her time and talents to further the causes of those organizations.

Helen's loves were family, cooking, and music. During the time she was a member of the Notre Dame community, she brought joy to residents and staff with her contagious love of music and life.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Notre Dame Assisted Living and Notre Dame Long Term Care Center for their loving care. They would especially like to recognize the members of the Hospice program for the wonderful ways in which they enriched Helen's final months and supported her family through a difficult period.

Calling hours for Helen will be held on Sunday, December 4, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Her Funeral will be held on Monday, December 5, from the funeral home, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in The Chapel at Notre Dame du Lac, 559 Plantation Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Saint John's Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, 559 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605 or to Notre Dame Long Term Care Hospice, 557 Plantation Street, Worcester.