Keohane Funeral Home

Salkowski, Helen M. (Ryan) of Quincy, formerly of Bensenville, IL, died November 25, 2015.

Helen’s life revolved around her family. She was especially dedicated to raising her son John, who was disabled and in a wheelchair.  Her care and John’s life was an inspiration to so many people.  She grew up in Bensenville, IL and graduated Cum Laude from Case Western Reserve in Clevelend, OH.  She and her husband met while working on the reservation bureau for the Milwaukee Railroad, where they both gained a passion for travel.  Over the years Helen traveled with her husband John, member of the BSO, on many Boston Symphony Orchestra tours in North America, the Far East, Europe and South America.  In later years they enjoyed taking cruises to various destinations.  Helen was also an accomplished cook and experimented with many recipes she gathered from around the world.  She was the kind of person people were naturally drawn to and enjoyed being in her company.  Devoted wife of John A. Salkowski of Quincy.  Loving mother of John W. Salkowski of Plymouth.  Cherished daughter of the late William Ryan and Helen (Velten).  Sister of Roger Ryan of IL. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Tuesday 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 10:15 AM on Wednesday prior to the Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Quincy at 11 AM.  Burial in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.

Donations in memory of Helen may be made to Friends of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.