Helen (Sullivan) McNamee, a devoted wife, cherished mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. Helen was the beloved wife of the late John J. McNamee Sr., with whom she shared 41 wonderful years of marriage.
Born on August 30, 1931, Helen was the daughter of the late Joseph E. and Helen M. (Reynolds) Sullivan. A bright and dedicated student, Helen graduated from the Academy of Notre Dame class of 1949 and Trinity College, Washington D.C. class of 1953.
Helen continued her studies at Boston College, earning a master’s degree in educational counseling in 1957. As a dedicated mother, she lovingly balanced raising her young family with private practice consulting. Later, Helen was employed for most of her career in the Lexington Public Schools and then closer to home in the Tyngsboro Public Schools. Education and helping young people recognize their gifts and realize their full potential were among Helen’s deepest values.
A lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Lowell, Helen lived her faith through kindness, service and a generous spirit. She was actively involved in many local organizations.
Helen is survived by her five loving children: Jack McNamee and his wife Cynthia of Burlington, Mary Begley of Chelsea, Joe McNamee and his wife Shelagh Mahoney McNamee of Lowell, Ann McNamee and her partner Heather Perkins of Newburyport and Ellen McNamee Gervais and her husband Rich Gervais of Andover. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Nancy and Kerryn McNamee, Erin Begley and her partner Marc Depari, Michael Begley, Kerry Hunt, Molly and her husband Brendan Cary, Sean McNamee, Michael and his wife Grace McNamee, Leo McNamee, Kate McNamee Grace Gervais, Jack Gervais and Ethan Gervais. Helen was especially delighted to welcome and spend time with her three precious great grandchildren: Nora and Lily Cary and Cameron Depari.
Helen was predeceased by her eight siblings: Tom, Mary, Joe, Jim, Peggy, Billy, Monica and Walter Sullivan and their spouses. Her sister in-law Naomi Sullivan survives her, as do many dear nieces and nephews from the Sullivan clan. Helen also cherished her extended cousins from the McNamee family. Faith, family and coffee club were among her greatest joys. The club gathered every Tuesday for more than fifty years and blessed Helen with treasured friendships and many happy memories.
Helen delighted in a good conversation over a cup of tea, and time spent with her was a gift to all who knew her. Her positive attitude, contagious laugh and gentle warmth brought joy to every gathering and were hallmarks of a long, full and beautiful life.
Relatives and friends are invited to her calling hours to be held at the Immaculate Conception Church 144 East Merrimack Street in Lowell on Friday, June 26th from 8:30 to 10:30 am followed by her Funeral Mass at 11am. Her burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Donations in her memory can be made to the Immaculate Conception Building Fund, 3 Fayette Street , Lowell, MA. 01852 or Academy of Notre Dame, 180 Middlesex Rd. Tyngsboro, MA 01879.
Arrangements by the Mahoney Funeral Home, 187 Nesmith Street, Lowell 978-452-6361. Please visit www.MahoneyFuneralHome.com to send the family a message of condolences at anytime.
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