Helen passed away on Wednesday, July 6th in the peacefull surroundings of her home in Everett, with her loving family by her side. She was 93 ½ years young.
Helen was diagnosed with kidney cancer 14 years ago, opted to do nothing about it and up until last year was pushing a shopping carriage around Market Basket or shoveling snow in front of her house. Her strength, courage and tenacity was an inspiration to all.
Helen was born in Boston on November 16, 1928, the devoted daughter of the late James F. Kirk and Helen (Cullen) Kirk. She grew up with her 6 siblings in Charlestown where she attended St Mary’s Parochial school and Charlestown High School. After High School, Helen worked in various positions at the renowned Schraffts Candy Factory for 19 years.
Taking a pause from working when her beloved husband, “My Bob” died, she stayed home to lovingly raise her 2 daughters Kathleen and Karen. She later worked for Johnnie's Foodmaster in Charlestown for 21 years in the Bakery. She was warm and inviting to all customers and was quick to dispense a fresh baked cookie to any child.
Helen was a strong woman who always persevered through adversity. She always had a smile on her face and generosity was just her nature. She was well known for her sense of humor, jokes, and funny camp songs. An enjoyable vacation for Helen would include water. Whether it was Maine, NH, Cape Cod or her backyard pool she was always one to delight in a good splash.
The greatest achievement for Helen was raising her 2 daughters and the immense role she played in her Grandchildrens, Lauren, George and Brian’s lives. Helen was truly a special person who will be remembered by all.
She was a member of The Daughter's of Isabella #1 and The Old Charlestown Schoolgirls Association.
Helen is the beloved wife of the late Robert T. "Bob" Barker. She is the loving mother of Kathleen M. Barker and the late Karen A. Spencer. She is the adoring Nana of Lauren K. Woodworth, George C. Spencer III, and Brian R. Spencer. She is the beloved sister of Richard "Skip" Kirk and his wife Linda, and the late Margaret Smith, James Kirk, Theresa Kelly, Paul Kirk, and Francis Kirk. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Helen's visiting hours on Monday morning July 11, 2022 from 9 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. in The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by her Funeral Mass at 11 A.M. in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren St. Charlestown. Her burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Helen's name to:
American Cancer Society
PO Box 1120
Framingham, MA 01701
or by clicking here