WORCESTER___Helen Jane Midgley, 83, of 41 Providence St., died Monday June 28 in the Hospice Residence, 10 Judith Rd.
She was born in Povidence, R.I., daughter of Dr. Albert Leonard and Mrs. Jennie (Corliss) Midgley. Her two sisters, Mary Hughes and Catherine Gilbane died in 1992. She is survived by seven nieces , two nephews, great nieces, great nephews and close friends. Another nephew, her godson, Richard C. Engelken died in 1976.
Helen received her education through the Religious of the Sacred Heart at Sacred Heart Convent, Elmhurst, Providence and at Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, New York City where she was a member of the Bronson Honor Society and was elected to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. She then spent 7 years teaching in Sacred Heart Schools in Albany, NY., Noroton and Greenwich, CT.
She entered the contemplative life at the Carmelite Monastery, New York City and was professed as a Lay Carmelite on November 6, 1954. Helen studied in the Nursing School of the Catholic University of America and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Magna Cum Laude in 1958 and was elected to the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society for Nursing. She then returned to Rhode Island and taught Medical and Surgical Nursing in the School for Licensed Practical Nurses at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, North Providence and was also a private duty nurse for many years.
In her retirement she has lived and served in St. Casimir’s Parish Rectory 18 years as homemaker, sacristan, gardener and secretary.
The funeral will be held on Thursday July 1 with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Casimir’s Church, 41 Providence St. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket, R.I. Calling hours in St. Casimir’s Church are Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton St., 298 Grafton St., is directing funeral arrangements.