Obituary of Helen M. Pelley

Helen M. Pelley, 96, of Lynn, died Saturday, August 19th after a brief illness. Helen, a lifelong resident of Lynn, MA, was born to the late George T. Pelley and Ellen M. (Donahue) Pelley on January 23, 1910. She was predeceased by her brother, George P. Pelley of Peabody, MA. Helen graduated salutatorian of her class from St. Mary’s High School in Lynn at the age of 17. Two days after graduation, on June 22, she began a 53 year career for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A conscientious and skilled worker, Helen rose through the ranks to the position of Supervisor Of Records which she assumed in November of 1968. She was recognized in October of 1980 for her expertise in interpreting the Civil Service Law and Rules by a Recognition Ceremony presided over by the then Governor Edward J. King. Helen traveled around the world extensively and loved to tell stories of her adventures to her far flung places. Helen is survived by her nephews and their wives, David and Rosemary Pelley of Somerset, MA and Denis and Kaye Pelley of Williamsburg, VA, a niece, Ellen Herlihy of Peabody, and her grandnieces, Cathleen Bernardo, Christine Tosone, Maureen Rose, Colleen Fermon, and Jennifer Bettencourt and her 16 great grandnieces and grandnephews. Helen will be remembered for her faith, loyalty and great kindness to those around her. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 11:00 AM in St. John’s Church, Peabody. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Lynn. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the charity of your choice.