Shrewsbury – It is with broken hearts that we announce our beloved mother, Helen M. Haddad, 98, has been called home to the Lord. Helen was born in Lawrence, MA, a daughter of the late Philip K. and Wardy (Khoury) Richards, and lived in Shrewsbury for the past 51 years.
Helen was completely devoted to her husband of 36 years, Eli A. Haddad who passed in 1986, her son, John Steven Haddad with whom she lived, her 2 daughters, Marilyn P. Pinto and her husband, David, and Barbara Haddad-Saba and her son-in-law, Faris Saba; two grandchildren, Alexei F. Saba and wife Alessia D. Saba of Wakefield and Melinda S. Pinto and her husband, Scot Brownell of Watertown; and 2 great grandchildren, Emma Amal Saba and Lucy Josephine Brownell. A brother, Ralph K. Richards, and a sister, Norma J. Samra predeceased her.
Everyone’s favorite aunt, “Auntie Helen” was loved by countless nieces and nephews, along with all their friends. She loved everyone’s children. Helen is the last of all the parents, aunts and uncles on both sides of the family. She will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her.
Helen learned sewing in her father’s dress shop in Haverhill, MA. She worked there until her marriage to Eli A. Haddad in 1950, at which time she moved to Springfield, MA. She enjoyed making costumes for the kids and grandkids.
While living in Springfield and Longmeadow, she and Eli belonged to the Springfield Syrian/Lebanese Social Club for many years, where Helen was vice president. During this time Helen took English classes at Bay Path Junior College, at the same time she learned hairdressing.
After the family moved to the Worcester area in 1972, Helen worked in the salon of her niece where she enjoyed the work and socializing with everyone. She also worked as a hospital volunteer in the St. Vincent Hospital gift shop for many years. The Girl’s Scouts of America was especially important to Helen over the years.
Helen was an avid gardener. She loved all types of flowers and planted them everywhere possible. She was very creative and loved drawing, painting, and cake decorating. She made beautiful cakes for family and friends. Although Helen didn’t have the opportunity to become a nurse like she wished, she took care of many people in their time of need.
Helen was a devoted member of the St George Orthodox Cathedral, and its Women’s Club where she loved working at the yearly fashion show, bazaars and craft fairs. She was recently featured on the cover of Worcester Magazine’s piece on Orthodox Churches in the Worcester area.
Many family and friends referred to Helen as “an angel walking on earth!” Among the many verses in the Bible that Helen held dear, the most precious to her was “In my Father’s House there are many rooms. I go to prepare a place for you.” JOHN 14.2
Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Helen’s family on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, for a visiting period from 9:30 -11:00AM in St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street, Worcester. The funeral service will commence at 11:00 AM in the Cathedral with the Very Rev. Fr. Milad Selim, Dean of the Cathedral, officiating. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery.
It was Helen’s wish that in lieu of flowers, and if you wished to make a donation in her memory, that contributions be made to St. George Orthodox Cathedral’s Endowment Fund, 30 Anna Street, Worcester, MA 01604.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Philip G. Haddad, Jr., Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit the “Tribute Wall”.
MAY HER MEMORY BE ETERNAL
