Helen Quinn, a devoted wife, our loving mother, proud grand and great grandmother passed away on April 21, 2018 in her one hundredth year. She was born in Norwichtown on March 2, 1919 the only child of the late Stephen and Helen (Skindzier) Koski. Helen was in the first graduating class from Samuel Huntington School and graduated from Norwich Free Academy class of 1936. She took an extra year in the NFA Art School and hoped to pursue a career in fashion design. Then, living in New York City she was a graduate of the Katherine Gibbs School.
On April 18, 1942 at Sacred Heart Church in Norwichtown, she was united in marriage to James A. Quinn, her beloved "Quinnie." She gave birth to the first of their nine children while Quinnie was serving overseas in WWII. Together they raised their family in Norwichtown, spending summers at Groton Long Point. Upon Quinnie's retirement they moved to the beach house where she lived until his death in September of 2007. Helen went back to Norwichtown to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Peter Popinchalk for which the family will be forever truly grateful.
Helen was a woman of great faith. Both she and Quinnie were actively involved in both parishes where they lived: Sacred Heart in Norwichtown and St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer in Groton. Her strong belief and prayers sustained her, her family and many others.
She was an outstanding cook as extended family and friends can attest. There was always room for more at the family table. Her recipes continue to be used by friends and family. Helen was a talented artist and skilled seamstress. Her dream of fashion design was realized in the creation of all three daughters' wedding gowns ~ along with bridesmaid and flower girl dresses! Her paintings and hand-painted cards are treasured by all who received them.
An avid reader, Helen was a founding member of the GLP Bookmarks Book Club. She was a member of the GLP Woman's Organization.
Helen was predeceased by her first-born son, Michael in January 2017. Left to carry on her legacy are her remaining children and their families. Daughter-in-law Evelyn Quinn of Switzerland, Kathleen Bellicchi, Patricia Clairwood (Richard), Elizabeth Popinchalk (Peter), Seumas (Jeanne), Timothy (Xanda), Daniel (Maho), Christopher (Carolann), Kevin (Laurie), and the Sullivan girls; Wilma, Dady, and Hanna who were like family. She was Bapczi to 20 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Mom was a remarkable woman. Completely blind for the last two years, she lived her entire life with dignity, resourcefulness, and great humility. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. The family extends their sincere gratitude to her caregivers, aides, and nurses for their loving care and kindness.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 26 from 4 to 7pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home on Friday, April 27 at 10am and proceed to St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Road, Groton for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Burial will immediately follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, 600 Jefferson Avenue, New London. A celebration of her life will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Sacred Heart Church RAS, 52 West Town Street, Norwich, CT 06360, St Mary Mother of the Redeemer, 69 Groton Long Point Rd., Groton, CT 06340, or Groton Long Point Woman's Organization, PO Box 3737, Groton Long Point, CT 06340.
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