Helen G. (Goodwin) Parker

Helen (Goodwin) Parker, age 93, of South Hadley, passed away at her home on Monday, July 19, 2021. She was born in West Warwick, RI, a daughter of the late Leonard O. and Elmira (Gauthier) Goodwin and moved with her family to Holyoke in 1933. Helen was a 1942 graduate of Morgan Junior High School, a 1945 graduate of Holyoke High School and also studied at the former Bennett Secretarial School. She worked as a private secretary to the Director of the Aluminum Division of Atlantic Steel and Iron Company, where she was employed for 20 years. After living in West Springfield for many years, Helen returned to Holyoke and worked as Head Clerk for the Holyoke area office of the Mass. Rehabilitation Commission, where she worked for another 20 years before retiring in 1991. She was a member of the former Grace Church and was its’ clerk when the Church combined with Grace United Church to become United Congregational Church of Holyoke. Helen has always enjoyed being active in her church as a member of the Bell Choir, the Wednesday Bible Study Group, and enjoyed the title of “The Cookie Lady” helping prepare the after-service coffee hour. She was also a deaconess. Helen was the widow of Gordon G. Parker who died in 2005. Helen is survived by two sons, Craig A. Parker, Sr. and his wife Barbara, Scott A. Parker and his wife Susan, all of South Hadley; seven grandchildren: Craig, Jr., Heather, Melissa, Julie, Alex, Elizabeth, and Wesley, eleven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Leonard O. Goodwin, Jr., and two sisters Emma Filios and Eleanor Meredith. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street followed by burial in Forestdale Cemetery, Cabot Street, Holyoke.  Calling hours will be held on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Helen to Hospice Lifecare, 575 Beech Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 or United Congregational Church, 300 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.                                                      

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