Obituary of Helen McSweeney

Helen E. (Ryan-Harrington) McSweeney a woman who devoted her life for caring for her family, friends, neighbors and patients passed away on Monday night at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on Monday evening, June 30, 2014. She was 93 years old. Helen was born in Charlestown, the daughter of the late Joseph and Anne Ryan. She had many wonderful memories of her days growing up in Charlestown. She married James Harrington. James sadly passed away at a young age leaving her with 8 children ranging from 2 to 15 years old. Helen was a remarkable woman and managed to care and provide for her family. She worked a wide variety of jobs and shifts to be able to balance being a mother and provider. She shared her love on all her family, friends, and patients. She was the glue to keep her family together even with the death of two husbands. She was the mother and “Nana” who was always available to lend a helping hand or offer some kind advice. She gladly accepted any offer to care for or watch over one she loved. She shared that kindness as a nurse’s aid at the Middlesex Fells Nursing Home where she worked for over 31 years retiring at the age of 79. There she was taking care of patients younger than herself warming their hearts with simple acts of kindness. Even after she retired, she returned to visit with the many residents she had become attached to. She enjoyed living at the Tower Hill Senior Apartments where she actively participated in many activities and helping many of the residents struggling on their own. Nothing made her happier than sharing her gifts, talents, and compassion with those who touched her life. Helen lived her life well and has left a heart print on all those she loved. Helen was the wife of the late William McSweeney and James Harrington. Loving mother of Helen Bova & her husband Tom of Burlington, Judy Carroll & her husband Charles of Stoneham, Joseph Harrington & his wife Yong Kum “Sonny” of Haverhill, William Harrington & his wife Marcia of Watertown, Nancy Wilkes & her husband Robert of Londonderry, NH, formerly of Burlington, Joanne Nollett & her husband David of Wilmington, Robert Harrington of Stoneham, and the late James Harrington. Mother-in-law of Maria Harrington of NH & Donna Carroll of Stoneham. Sister of the late Catherine Hennigan, Anna White, William “Red”, Joseph “Snooky”, Francis, and James Ryan. Helen is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Thursday, July 3 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Arlington. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Helen’s name may be made to the Harrington House, c/o Home for Little Wanderers, Att: Marcia Allen, 271 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115.