Helen M. ‘Nana’ (Balkus) Mulligan, 90 of Lowell, passed away after a brief illness on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Lowell General Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Donald R. Mulligan, with whom she shared the last 72 years together.
She was born in Lowell on April 11, 1932, daughter of the late Sylvester Balkus and the late Tekla (Sawicka) Balkus. She was raised in Lowell, where she attended the area schools graduating from Lowell High School with the class of 1950; was married to Donald two months later and they began their family.
Helen worked as a quality inspector for Currier Citizen for many years before her retirement. She was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church and St. Joseph the Worker Shrine, where she attended the daily mass everyday for over 27 years. She loved to dance, especially Polka. She belonged to many Polka Clubs throughout the years and loved spending three day weekends traveling with them across the country. She enjoyed watching football, especially the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
In addition to her husband, Donald of Lowell, she is survived by her three children, Ann Marie O’Hearn and her husband, Lawrence of Westford, Donald T. Mulligan and his wife, Mary of Hudson, NH, and Michael Mulligan and his wife, Luanne of Windham, NH; eleven grandchildren and their spouses, Erin, David, Donald, Colleen, Matthew, Thomas, Jillian, Matthew S., Connor, Colin, and Taryn; thirteen great grandchildren, Emilie, Jack, Dilan, Isabeal, Tanner, Mason, Donald, Jason, Emaleigh, Teddy, Auggie, Camden, and Jake. She is also survived by her brother, Peter Balkus of Seminole, FL; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was welcomed into heaven by her sister, the late Antoinette Dziedzinski.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s name to the charity of your choice.
On Wednesday, January 25, 2023 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 4-7 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, 978-458-6816.
Her funeral will begin on Thursday morning at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, her funeral mass will be offered at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 144 E. Merrimack Street, Lowell. Procession will follow for burial at St. Patrick Cemetery.