Leicester - Helen M. (Erickson) Hayward, 94, passed away at Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester, Tuesday, March 8, 2016. She was the widow of Harold F. Hayward "Pete" who died in 1981. Helen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Thomas E. and Nancy S. Cunningham, Jr.; sisters, Doris Danielson of Florida and Nancy Ritacco of Worcester; 3 grandchildren, Jennifer Mercier and her husband James of Rochdale, Colleen Cooney and her husband Thomas, and Andrew Cunningham and his wife Lindsey - all of Leicester; 9 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by 7 brothers, Stanley, Henry, Harold, Robert, Warren, Roger, and Kenneth and 5 sisters, Ruth Aubin, Ester Semon, Virginia Abasciano, Mildred Ricchiazzi, and Dorothy.
One of 15 children, Helen was born in Worcester, daughter of Hilma (Johanson) and A. Eric Erickson. She was a graduate of David Hale Fanning Trade School. Helen was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was a Sunday school teacher and children's choir assistant. Mrs. Hayward was a Campfire leader in Millbury. Helen loved to bake, sew, and crochet. She started out her day singing, "Rise 'n shine and Give God the Glory Glory" and ended her day with reading the bible and saying her prayers.
The funeral service will be held in Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester on Sat., March 12, at 10:00a.m. Burial will follow in Central Cemetery, Millbury. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the church.
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