Published October 23, 2020
READING — Helene M. Quinn, 100, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11 at the Sawtelle Family Hospice in Reading.
She was born in Cambridge, MA on December 22, 1919 to the late Owen and Mary Veronica Quinn. Helene was predeceased by her six siblings: Madelyn McGillivray, Cathryn Dolan, and William Quinn of Melrose, Owen Quinn of Lexington, MA, Rita Dietrich of New Jersey and later, Melrose, and Raymond Dorry of Florida.
Helene is survived by many nieces and nephews, with whom she was close throughout her life. She was blessed with many great-nieces and nephews as well. Helene had lifelong friends in Mary Salmon of Harwich, MA and the late Sandra Valentino and Frances Tingle of Cambridge.
Helene graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Cambridge and worked for many years at the National Biscuit and Polaroid companies. Helene moved to Melrose in 1966, where she first lived with her sister Kay and her family, followed by many years with her sister Rita and lastly five years with her great niece, Colleen.
One of the highlights for her at home was the frequent visits by Annie, the golden doodle. Helene loved to read and was a lifelong Boston sports fan, never missing a chance to watch a game on TV.
She spent many wonderful summers enjoying the beach in York, Maine with family. You would never find Helene without her perfectly matched outfits. Even later in life, Helene always had her lipstick and her hair done. She never turned down a pastry, loved a good crossword puzzle and was always happy to sit and have coffee with you to “talk” politics.
Most recently, we were happy to celebrate her 100 years of life this past Christmas.
Her laugh was unmistakable. Strong and fiercely independent, she kept us laughing for many years. Helene will be missed by everyone who has known her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Cambridge Cemetery in Cambridge. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mystic Valley Elder Services, Malden, MA. Arrangements by The Gately Funeral Home, Melrose. To send a message of Condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
