Helen M. (Queeney) Modica, 82, of Medford, MA, died peacefully at home after an illness on Sunday, January10th, surrounded by her family.

She was pre-deceased by her husband of 56 years, Vincent J. Modica, and by her sister, Mary (Queeney) Shinney and her brother, Thomas F. Queeney, Jr. Daughter of the late Thomas F. Queeney and Helen M. Queeney, she was born in Boston in 1933, grew up in Medford and in Milton, MA, and attended the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH. She was the beloved mother of Catherine of Arlington; Joseph and his wife Judy of Ardsley, NY; Ellen of Chestnut Hill; Joanne of Boston; and Thomas and his wife Donna of Medford. She leaves six much-loved grandchildren: Jacqueline, Jennifer, Matthew, and Allison Modica, and Nicholas and Henry Kaempf. She is also survived by her granddaughter-in-law, Lauren Buckley, and by her former son-in-law Clark A. Kaempf and his partner Kathleen Driscoll.

Helen enjoyed a career as an administrator in the Psychiatry Department of Cambridge Hospital, and is fondly remembered by her former colleagues. Her volunteer time was devoted to her children’s activities and to St. Francis of Assisi Church, where she served as President of the Mothers’ Club. She was a passionate gardener, and in her later years she took great pleasure in dealing in antiques and vintage wares. She will be remembered by many affectionate friends for her kindness, style, and grace.

Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford on Wednesday, January 13th at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway West, Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 4 through 8 PM. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Helen’s name to the Pan-Mass Challenge, supporting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at www.pmc.org.