Helen I. Walsh

Helen I. (Eldridge) Walsh, 49, of Lincoln Street in Webster, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2008, at the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence in Worcester.

She was born in Framingham, the daughter of the late Stanley R. Eldredge, Sr. and the late Helen B. Farrer.

She leaves behind her three children, son, Joseph R. Walsh, daughter, Victoria R. O'Connor and her husband Shawn, all of Webster and son, Brian F. Walkup and his wife Crystal of LaFayette, IN. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Clayton, Cassandra, Arianna, Zachary and Ashlyn. In addition she leaves three brothers, Stephen R. Eldridge of Shelbyville, KY, Stanley R. Eldridge, Jr. of Webster, and William H. Eldridge of Milford; and a sister, Elaine E. Eldridge of Natick. She also leaves her beloved aunt, Margie Rousseau of Framingham. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Sheila H. Landry.

Helen was raised in Los Gatos, CA by her mother and late stepfather, Clayton. She attended Los Gatos High prior to returning to Massachusetts and graduating from Quinsigamond Community College. She worked at Wellesley College for many years, first in food service and then with the custodial department. She leaves many wonderful friends made during her years there.

Helen enjoyed reading, cleaning, taking care of her beloved pets and spending time with her friends. She enjoyed special trips to Deer Isle, ME and the Pocono's. She loved time spent with her grandchildren, who gave her pure joy and she treasured the memories made while on a road-trip last year with Clayton. She was an avid animal lover and sports enthusiast and enjoyed her time spent with the Shrewsbury Special Needs Sports Program.

The funeral for Helen will be held Wednesday, October 29, at 11 a.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Edwards Cemetery, Framingham. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, October 28 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shrewsbury Special Needs Sports Program in care of the Parks and Recreation Department, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or to Rose Monahan Hospice in care of VNA Care Network, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608.