Obituary of Helen Editha Kennedy

" Helen Editha (Rich) Kennedy, 90 of Richview Ave, died peacefully at her home on Oct. 8 with her loving and devoted daughter, Kathleen A. Kennedy by her side. Born in Bangor, New York, July 12, 1913, she was the daughter of the late William C. and Bernice Glee (Dickinson) Rich. <br><br> She moved to Springfield at the age of two and graduated from the High School of Commerce in 1930. She later moved to Holyoke where she lived for nearly 50 years before moving to S. Hadley 12 years ago. <br><br> Helen’s hobbies included furniture refinishing, macramé, ceramics and gardening. She also loved playing the piano, reading, bird watching and cooking. Helen will be lovingly remembered for her quick wit, contagious laugh, her jokes, stories and wonderful sense of humor. <br><br> Professionally, she was an executive secretary for many local companies including The Gas Co. of Springfield, The Roger Smith Hotel, the former Plastic Coating in Holyoke and the 8th Air Force, Westover Air Force Base. Helen worked for various governmental agencies, retiring from the Holyoke School Department where she was secretary to the Superintendent of Schools. <br><br> She was a member of the Hotel Greeters Association, an honorary lifetime member of the national Association of Retired Federal Employees and belonged to AARP and the MA Retirees Association of State, County and Municipal Employees. <br><br> Helen was predeceased by her brother Byron C. Rich. She is survived by her daughters Kathleen A. Kennedy with whom she lived, and Carolyn J. Dickinson of San Francisco, CA as well as Kathleen’s half sister Paula Gray and her husband Cary and their children Eric and Laura all of Chicopee. She also leaves her cousins Shirley Steele of Bangor, NY, Betty Brigham of Seattle, WA, and Kermit Aldrich of Malone, NY. Helen also leaves behind her beloved basset hound, Mozart and her tabby cat, Tiki. <br><br> A service of remembrance will be Thursday, October 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story S. Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton St, (Rte 116). Friends may gather to pay their respects to the family on Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to either Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Dr, Kanab, Utah, 84741-500 or MSPCA 171 Union St, Springfield 01105. "