…devoted caregiver to many; 70
TEWKSBURY - Helen G. (Defina) Fuhs, age 70, a truly selfless caregiver to family and friends alike, died peacefully on Sunday morning, March 12, at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill, after a brief but courageous battle with an aggressive form of cancer. Helen’s life was defined by her role as a caregiver, who sacrificed most of her life in the care of her parents, and later friends and family in their times of crisis and need.
She was born in Charlestown, in November 1946, the daughter of the late Vincent T. and Helen G. (Saunders) Defina, but had lived the greater part of her life in Tewksbury. She graduated from Tewksbury Memorial High School with the Class of 1965. She worked as a sales clerk for the former Kings department store in Tewksbury before taking an early retirement to look after her ailing and ageing parents. She will be remembered not only for her giving spirit, but also by her choice of clothing, always chic and always black.
She was the former partner of the late Edward L. DelTorto Jr. She leaves her devoted nephew, John Vincent Defina Jr. and his companion Allison Barker of Plaistow, NH; two brothers, Bartholomew Defina and his family of Pennacook, NH, J. “Vinnie” Defina and his family of Kingston, NH; dearest friend for 62 years, Cheryl Hayes of Tewksbury; dearest friends, Barbara and Carl Jensen of Wilmington and Trisha and Michael Nicoloro of Tewksbury; former husband, Jack Fuhs of Lowell; and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
Visiting hours Wednesday, March 15, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the Tewksbury Funeral Home, corner of 1 Dewey and 975 Main Sts. (Rte. 38) TEWKSBURY CENTER, Ph. (800 in MA or 978) 851 2950. Her funeral Service will be held Thursday, March 16, at 11:00 a.m. in the Tewksbury United Methodist Church, corner of South and Main Sts. Tewksbury. Burial will follow in Tewksbury Cemetery. tewksburyfuneralhome.com