Obituary of Helen Ferren

Helen I. Ferren, a strong believer that the individual can influence government, passed away Monday night, December 12, 2005 at the Woodbriar Nursing Care Facility in Wilmington. She was 80 years old. Mrs. Ferren was born in Somerville, the daughter of Irish immigrants, the late John and Nora McKeen. She was raised in Magoun Square, Somerville. She remained in Somerville until 1965 and then settled in Burlington. Mrs. Ferren retired from Mitre where she worked for 11 years. She was a receptionist and trained their security staff. Prior to that Helen worked as a waitress for 38 years. Her tour of duty included: Blinstrub’s Supper Club in South Boston, Hailey’s Restaurant on Beacon Hill, The Frolics at Salisbury Beach (one of the premier night clubs on the entire eastern seaboard during the 1940’s), the Parker House and the Everglades Restaurant in Billerica. Mrs. Ferren had a strong political conviction and would staunchly support any candidate she felt worthy to hold office. Senator Robert Havern described Mrs. Ferren “as having a strong and unwavering voice of the Democratic party in Burlington where she is the consummate neighbor and friend to all.” State Representative Charles Murphy called Helen “the consummate democrat”, dedicated and giving. Some described her as Burlington’s Matriarch of Politics. Many a campaign started with discussions around her kitchen table. She campaigned for Local, State and Federal Political Candidates for 66 years. Residents of Burlington would see Mrs. Ferren at the corner of Cambridge Street and Winn Street on what some referred to as “Helen’s Island” holding signs for those candidates she supported. Over the years she participated in the campaigns of: President John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Senator Edward Kennedy, Senator Robert Havern, Congressman John F. Tierney, Congressman Edward Markey, Governor Edward King, State Representative Charles Murphy, and numerous other state and local politicians and candidates. Helen received numerous Proclamations, Citations, Honors, and letters of appreciation from those whom she helped get elected to office. Mrs. Ferren and her son Jack have raised over $100,000 in scholarships via the John J. Ferren Memorial Golf tournament, awarding twelve $500 awards annually. Helen served in the first elected Town Meeting in Burlington. She was a strong supporter of the many events and activities at the Burlington Recreation Department. She was a good friend and neighbor to the residents of Lantern Lane. She was a loving mother and friend to her only son, Jack and his wife Eileen and a proud grandmother to Shayla and Shaun. She leaves many friends who will remember her keen sense of humor and helping hand. She is predeceased by her siblings: John McKeen, Kay Monahan, Mary Morton, Theresa Wood, and Doris Harrington. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Helen’s name may be made to the John J. Ferren Memorial Scholarship, c/o Jack Ferren, 37 Lantern Lane, Burlington, MA 01803.