Helen A. (Swinich) Fortin, 94, of Salem, NH passed away peacefully on Tues., Oct. 4th at Aurora Senior Living Center of Derry.
Born in Wakefield, MA, she was the daughter of the late Nellie (Siek) and Frank Swinich. Helen was fluent in three languages: English, Polish and French.
As a younger women, Helen worked in various mills in greater Lawrence and ended her career working for Raytheon where she worked on the Patriot Missile. She enjoyed her flower garden and her prize-winning display won her “Yard of the Month” from the Salem Garden Club. Helen loved to knit and sew and was an avid crotchetier, making many sweaters, blankets, hats and scarves for her family, church fairs and the Pine Street Inn. She taught her daughters and great granddaughters how to crochet. Helen also loved to cook and bake and spent many hours in the kitchen making Polish and French dishes. She was a member of St. Joseph Church in Salem.
She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Aime Fortin and her siblings Mathew Sweeney and Mary Herrick.
Survived by:
Children: Gerard Fortin and his wife Arline of Derry, NH,
Jean and Ralph Finnigan of Salem, NH
Carol Powell of Douglas, MA
Sister: Emily Trusselle of SC
7 Grandchildren: Jerry Fortin and his wife Darline of Chester, NH, John Fortin and his wife Jennifer of Manchester, NH, Nadine Daniels and her fiancé Mark Vincent of Kingston, NH, Suzanne Armano and her husband Joseph of Salem, NH, Bonnie Finnigan of Somersworth, NH, Jennifer Covell and her husband Jonathan of Douglas, MA and Daniel Powell of Charlton, MA
10 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great Great Grandchild, Several Nieces and Nephews
Services are private for the family. Arrangements are under the care of Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH.
Memorial donations in Helen’s name may be made to: Compassionate Care Hospice, 25 Nashua Rd, Unit E3, Londonderry, NH 03053.