Irene G. (Mendonsa) Helfrich, 91, of Salem, NH passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23rd at Mary Immaculate Nursing Home in Lawrence, MA.
She was born August 15, 1922 in Lawrence, MA, the fourth of five children of John and Mary (Silva) Mendonsa. Irene was educated in the Lawrence Public Schools and graduated from Lawrence High School.
Irene moved with her husband and family to Salem in 1949. She attended St. Joseph’s Parish and was a Eucharistic Minister for many years. She donated many hours helping at Mercy Meals, visiting the sick and elderly and conducting Bible Study meetings at her home. She enjoyed flower arranging and gardening, many craft activities and was instrumental in the formation of the Salem Garden Club. Irene was an avid singer and she always had a tune on her lips.
A true matriarch, she enjoyed hosting family gatherings at her home in Salem or at the family beach house in Biddeford, ME and spending time with her 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Irene was the wife of the late Joseph P. Helfrich who passed away in 1975. She will be missed by her children and their families, Joseph Philip Helfrich, of Methuen, MA and Sebago, ME, Richard Helfrich and his wife Celeste of Plaistow, NH, Susan Griffin and her husband Larry of Salem, NH and Linda Dubois and her husband Jack of Londonderry and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the caretakers at Mary Immaculate Nursing Home for the compassionate care extended toward our mother.
Calling hours will be Friday, March 28th from 4-8PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 11AM at Mary Queen of Peace Church, Salem. Entombment will follow in Eternal Light, Salem, NH.
Memorial contributions in Irene’s name may be made to: Alzheimer’s Disease Fund, PO Box 46673, Washington, DC 20090, the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St, Framingham, MA 01701 or Mary Immaculate Nursing Home, 172 Lawrence, St., Lawrence, MA 01841