Helen R. (Wolochowicz) Underwood, 95, of 46 Greenville Street, Spencer, formerly of Shrewsbury, died Friday, June 22, 2012, after a brief illness at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home with family by her side. She is predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Vernon F. Underwood who died in 2002. She is survived by her four loving children, Raymond P. Underwood and his wife Kendra of Charlton, William V. Underwood of Worcester, Lawrence F. Underwood and his wife Jean of North Brookfield, and Stephanie B. Underwood of Spencer, with whom she lived. She also leaves six grandchildren, Gina Maguire and her husband John, James Underwood and wife Elda, Brandon Underwood and his wife Renee, Nicholas Underwood, Philip Underwood, Peter Underwood and his wife Pamela, 10 great-grandchildren, a sister Francis Youderian, nieces, nephews, her good friend Mary Lou Stankiewicz, and her cat Charmer. She was predeceased by her sisters Adele Steinmetz, Stella Liseno, her brother William Wolochowicz and a grandson Joseph Underwood.
Helen was born is Worcester August 23, 1916, the daughter of the late Eva and Peter Wolochowicz. She graduated from Commerce High the class of 1935 and lived in Worcester before marrying Vernon in 1938. They lived in Shrewsbury for nearly fifty years where they commercially raised chickens before owning and operating Underwood Arms on Main Street. They retired to Spencer in 1988. Helen was a devoted wife, nursing her husband through Parkinson’s disease until his death in 2002, and a hard-working, generous, fiercely independent woman who was proud of her Polish heritage and continued to live an active life despite painful arthritic knees. She owned and cared for horses well into her eighties and instilled her love and passion for them and all animals in her children. She displayed a strength and spirit which will be remembered by all who knew her. The life lessons she taught us on motherhood will be warm memories in our hearts forever.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 30, 2012, at 11 A.M. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 440 West Main Street in Shrewsbury where she was a long time member. The family wishes to thank the VNA, the staff at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, and all her caregivers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s memory to the Greater Worcester Land Trust (Sibley Farm Campaign), 4 Ash Street, Worcester, MA 01608, a local project dear to Helen’s heart, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
J.Henri Morin & Son Funeral Home, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer is directing arrangements for the family.