On February 28th, 2014, Helen passed on to eternal life to join her husband and son who have been missing her for far too long. It is left to those on earth to miss her now and we will. But, as Helen said many times, she had a good long life and was ready to go whenever God called.
Helen was born in Worcester to Michael and Margaret (O’Malley) Needham who had immigrated from County Mayo, Ireland. She graduated from South High School in Worcester, where she enjoyed basketball and field hockey. She went on to work at the payroll department of Rice Barton Corporation and the Telegram & Gazette. She left the work force to raise her children; and when her husband George died in 1970 she returned to work at Jordan Marsh in the “new” Worcester Center. She loved this job for over 18 years and made many friends among her co-workers and customers.
In retirement, Helen fulfilled a lifelong dream to travel to Ireland, and enjoyed many good times with her grandchildren who were indeed her greatest joy. Helen was a lifelong parishioner of St. Peter’s Church, Worcester and was a former member of their Women’s Sodality and LCBA.
Helen leaves a daughter, Annmarie Mortimer of Auburn with whom she lived; a son Jack and his wife, Dorine Mortimer of Spencer and five grandchildren, Michael, Kevin, Matthew, Julianne and Kelsey. She was predeceased by her husband George in 1970; her son, George in 1996; her sister, Catherine Needham and her parents.
Her funeral is Tuesday, March 4th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Church, 931 Main Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours are Monday, March 3rd from 5:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 300 Barber Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606