Helen L. (Cataldo) Carberry, 104, of Franklin died peacefully at home on August 7, surrounded by her daughter and son-in-law. She was the wife of William F. Carberry, who died in 1968.
Born in Franklin, July 9, 1909, the daughter of the late Michael and Philomena (Comolli) Cataldo. She was the sister of the late Edna L. (Cataldo) Healey and the late Michael J. Cataldo. Helen is survived by her daughter Phyllis Mae and son-in-law Joseph G. Mueller, Jr. of Franklin, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great- nephews.
Helen was a lifelong resident of Franklin, where she graduated from Franklin High School in 1927. She furthered her education at the Hyannis Normal School for Teacher Training, from which she graduated in 1929. She went on to receive a BS degree from the Boston University School of Education in 1931.
Helen was a devoted elementary school teacher for over 40 years. During the 32 years that she taught in the Franklin Public Schools, she served as a great role model and mentor to hundreds of third and fifth grade students, who still remember her with much fondness.
Helen celebrated her 100th birthday with a surprise party held at Lake Pearl Luciano’s on July 12, 2009. The guests, consisting of relatives, friends, neighbors and former co-workers were entertained and amazed when she danced in high heeled shoes. At the party she was presented with a number of citations signed by officials on the local, state and national level.
On November 29, 2009 Helen was honored with a plaque given by the Franklin School Department and the Franklin Alumni Association, for her 100th birthday and for her years of service to the Franklin School System. This celebration was attended by many members of the Franklin School Committee, and the Franklin School Department, as well as friends and former students.
On June 20, 2012 Helen was presented with the Boston Post Cane at a Franklin Town Council Meeting. She was honored as the town’s oldest resident at a celebration attended by over 100 people held at the Franklin Senior Center on June 22, 2012.
Among Helen’s interest were socializing and entertaining her many friends and relatives. She enjoyed traveling, flower gardening, shopping and collecting pitchers.
Helen was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Franklin. She was an honorary member of the Catholic Women’s Club. She was also a member of the Franklin Bridge Club for over 60 years, the Massachusetts Retired Teachers’ Association and the Friends of Franklin Elders.
Her funeral will be held on Monday August 12 from the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street Franklin at 9:15 followed by a funeral mass in St. Mary’s Church at 10:00.
Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Calling hours will be on Sunday from 4-8 p.m.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to St. Mary Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin, MA 02038