MELROSE — Helen B. Ritchey, longtime resident of Melrose, passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 12, 2021 at a North Reading healthcare facility. She was 100.

Born on October 21, 1920 in Chicago, Helen is one of two children of the late Boris and Nell (Ritchey) Demitroff. She grew up all over the south because her father was a professional wrestler. The family eventually settled in Woburn, and she graduated from Woburn High School in 1939.

Strong and independent, Helen lived life on her own terms. She worked as a Secretary for the Department of the Navy for many years, and after her retirement from there, went to work as a manager at a natural food store in Malden.

In the 1960’s she purchased land in the Golden Valley near Kingman Arizona and spend a lot of time out there after that. It was one of her favorite places to go.

Helen’s faith was strong, and she had a deep love for the Lord. She also enjoyed crafting, drawing, history and reading, watching movies with her older sister Alberta and her childhood friend Peggy. Playing bridge was another favorite activity of hers. She even went skydiving at the age of fifty.

Not one to sit still, Helen was a fan of staying active and exercising. She was a fan of Jack LaLanne and enjoyed spending time walking through nature.

Helen had a long life and will be dearly missed by all who loved her.

Helen was the loving sister of the late Alberta and her late husband, George “Chick” O’Donnell; cherished aunt of Helen Cargill and her late husband, Jimmy, of Melrose; Neil O’Donnell of Franklin, NH; John R. O’Donnell of Melrose; Richard D. O’Donnell and his late wife, Linda, of Melrose; the late George L. O’Donnell and his surviving wife, Donna and Paul W. O’Donnell and his surviving wife, Maryann. She is also survived by her Goddaughter Heather O’Donnell-Hall of Arizona and numerous grand nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Helen’s life on Thursday, September 16 at 10 a.m. for her funeral service. Masks were kindly requested. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.

Gifts in Helen’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452.

For online tribute or directions, please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.