Helen M. (Lynch) May, 91, of Worcester died Monday, October 9th in Notre Dame Long Term Care Center. Her husband of 61 years, Joseph C. May died in 2012. She leaves four daughters, Kathryn C. May of Worcester, Elizabeth E. Harvey and her husband, John F. of Holden, Marianne O’Day and Eileen Henrickson and her husband, Thomas F. all of Worcester; three sons, Joseph C. May, Jr., James P. May both of Worcester and John M. May of Vermont; brother-in-law, John McDavitt of Holden; 16 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Julianne O’Day; a sister, Patricia Benjamin and two brothers, Cornelius and John X. Lynch.
She was born in Worcester the daughter of John D. and Katherine (Corydon) Lynch and graduated valedictorian of the former Ascension High School. Helen went on to further her education at Emmanuel College where she graduated with Honors with a degree in Chemistry. Her post-graduate work was completed with Dr. Chen and the Worcester Foundation with their work being displayed in the Smithsonian. After raising her seven children, Helen went on to work for Head Start at the Worcester Public Schools and earned a Master’s Degree in Education with Honors from Worcester State University. She was a science teacher at Providence St. Junior High School and North High School for over 20 years, retiring in 1987. Mrs. May spent many hours volunteering her time at the Abby House, Jacob Hiatt Magnet School and tutoring the children of her neighborhood.
Helen was faithful and longtime member of Our Lady of the Angels Church where she attended Fr. Monroe’s Bible Study Group. She spent her time volunteering for the church with their religious education program, the mother’s club, the quilting angels, school plays and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She enjoyed reading, gardening, listening to Irish Music, exercising at the YMCA with her friends in the Silver Sneakers and was an accomplished pianist. Helen was a member of the Democratic National Committee and was an advocate and supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment of 1972.
The family would like to thank Rick Stein of Worcester Home Care and the entire staff of Notre Dame Long Term Care Center for their compassion and care during Helen’s illness.
Her funeral is Thursday, October 12th with a Mass at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. A calling hour will be held from 9:30 until 10:30 AM in Our Lady of the Angels Church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01603. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is directing arrangements.