SOUTH HADLEY

M. Helen (Preston) Whitcomb, 94, of South Hadley, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst. She was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, daughter of the late Samuel J. and Mary (English) Preston, and was a graduate of the Holyoke Public School System and Massachusetts Bankers School of Commercial Lending. Helen retired after serving forty-five years as Vice-President, Human Resources of Western MA from Shawmut Banking System. She served on the Boards of YWCA, Loomis House and the Holyoke Community College Advisory Board. Helen was also a Past President of Employers Association of Western MA and Women’s Bank Officers of Western MA. She was also a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of Holyoke and the Holyoke Hospital Bridge Group. She was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband Robert C. Whitcomb, and a sister, Maureen Niquette of Holyoke. Helen is survived by a sister, Norah E. Preston of Holyoke; three nieces: Susan E. Niquette, Carol A. Baker and her husband Fred, Nancy D’Angelo and her husband Robert; a nephew David P. Niquette and his wife Cynthia; great nieces Carissa Wilson and husband Joseph, Carli D’Angelo, and Lauren C. Laboursoliere; great nephews Ian M. Baker, Joseph R. D’Angelo and Christopher L. D’Angelo, and her great, great nephew, Cameron R. Wilson. All services are private. Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant St. Amherst MA 01002.