New Bedford – Helen Vargas Starr, age 95 of Dartmouth, passed away, peacefully, on Sunday April 5, 2015 at New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late George Starr and was the beloved daughter of the late Mary (Vicente) and John Paulo Vargas.
Helen was born in New Bedford and lived her life in Dartmouth where she graduated from Dartmouth High School Class of 1940. A parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish in Dartmouth, Helen was also a longtime member of the Lady’s Guild, a volunteer at the Dartmouth Senior Center and an “Avon Lady” for many years.
Helen was the last of the “Vargas Girls”, surviving her sisters: Grace Klein, Bertha Brown, Agnes Bissonette, Eva Plum, Mary Vargas and Lilian Tavares as well as 2 brothers: Clarence Vargas and Eddy Vargas.
In addition, she leaves behind 2 sons: Barry Starr and his wife, Nancy, of New Bedford and Alan Starr. Her surviving family also includes granddaughters: Bethany A. Walton and her husband Bill, Heather L. Bagwell and Susanne McInerny and her husband, Rick; as well as 5 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Starr was cremated. Visitation wth her cremains present will take place in the funeral home Thursday, April 23 from 6 – 8 P.M. Burial will take place on Friday, April 24 at 10:00 A.M. in Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Arrangements placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St. in New Bedford.
Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made in her memory to The Dartmouth Senior Center or to the New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home.