Helen Deluca

Helen DeLuca, (Donovan) 79, of Squantum, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends by her side on May 4, 2013.

Born and raised in Dorchester, daughter of the late Jeremiah and Nellie Donovan of Ireland. Survived by her husband and best friend of 57 years, John A. DeLuca, daughter Marie DeLuca and John Putnam of Squantum, Jeanne of Quincy, John, Stephen and his wife, Lisa, of Milton, and Ellen and Richard Moran of Squantum. Cherished grandmother to Kristina, Shauna, Thomas, Lauren, Johnny, Pat, Vickie, Alicia, Katherine, Jamie, and Ava. Loving great-grandmother to Julia, Shane, and Rex. She was the proud aunt of the Donovans and O’Neils, and was like a mother to so many more. Also survived by her sister, Florence Gallagher of Mashpee. Predeceased by her brother, Jeremiah Donovan, and sons-in-law, Happy Farren and Jim Koss. Long time friend to many, including Bubby, Kay, Kathleen, and Bridie.

Also known as “Helcat,” Helen was a graduate of Monsignor Ryan Memorial in Dorchester. She worked as house mother at St. Mary’s and also worked at St. Margaret’s Hospital. Helen taught CCD for many years. Prepared in the same cookware she and Jack have had since 1956, her Sunday family dinners were always filled with stories, love, and laughter and often served with a side of lasagna, eggplant parm, killer “balls,” and Irish Bread. Her Irish Whisper could be heard across the Pond, much to her children’s chagrin. Proud that she never grew a grey hair, her stealth hearing and eyes in the back of her head served as convenient tools in raising her children. A 4’10” tornado, she could always spot a lie or a troublemaker, and no one wanted to tangle with her. Helen loved to relax on the verandah at Chatham Bars Inn, overlooking the ocean whilst sitting quietly or having a laugh. She also cherished sunny afternoons with her family on the Swan Boats or at Castle Island, looking forward to the visit as her excuse to get a hot dog from Sully’s. An avid traveler throughout the world, her favorite destination, of course, was Ireland. A former HarwichPort resident, with a keen eye for fine antiquities, she would scour Cape Cod Estate Sales looking for just the perfect item to add to her HarwichPort home. She was an avid collector of inkwells, nativity scenes, and Sebastians. She loved Mosley’s, where they would dance the night away. An accomplished artist, a piece of her work was proudly displayed at the MFA. She was also talented at knitting, needlepoint, and various arts and crafts. She was not only artistically creative but also verbally creative. Bilingual in English and Helenisms, she loved shopping at Normandy’s (Nordstrom), Battle Creek (Coldwater Creek), and plea bargains (flea markets). Helen loved having a cup of tea with her Walker Street neighbors and myriad other visitors, or inviting one of her five children’s friends in for a meal. Her door was always open; she would just “add another potato” to the oven. Helen loved the color cobalt blue, pinot grigio, and Irish music. She loved gardening, and had quite the green thumb (though she ruled with an iron thumb). When she was a young child, for a school assignment she memorized “The Wreck of the Hesperus” by Longfellow at her father’s urging, although her classmates memorized much simpler poems such as “Little Miss Muffet.” She could still recite it in full. The Fourth of July was her main holiday. She really hated going to dance recitals. She was oftentimes mistaken for Blanche (Rue McClanahan). Later in her life, she enjoyed watching the ships enter Boston Harbor from the comfort of her deck overlooking the ocean. Helen showed everyone a lot of good times, and she was always there for each and every one of us. Quick to retort, she was the queen of the one-liner. She leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and eternal memories. She had “real class.”

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Thursday 4-8 pm in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:00 AM on Friday prior to the Funeral Mass in Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta 800 Columbia Rd., Dorchester at 10:00 AM. Cremation will follow. The family would prefer memorial donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Grand Central Station P.O. Box 4777 New York, NY 10163-4777.