Yemma, Helen T. (Ford), age 89 of Groveland, died Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at the Kindred Hospital, Peabody.
She was born in Boston on September 30, 1918, the daughter of the late James J. and Nellie (O'Brien) Ford. Mrs. Yemma was raised in the Bradford section of Haverhill by her close Uncle and Aunt, Dr. and Mrs. Paul Nettle. She attended Haverhill schools and was graduated from Haverhill School, Class of 1936.
She had worked for several years in nursing at the former Hale Hospital, Haverhill. She was married for almost sixty years to the late Salvatore J. Yemma, Jr., who died February 24, 1999. Mrs. Yemma was involved in several different local political campaigns. She was the Past President of the Nathan M. Webster, Norman Baker American Legion Post no. 248, Groveland. A devote Catholic, she was a member of St. Patrick Church, Groveland, and most recently of Sacred Hearts Church, Bradford. Mrs. Yemma throughout her life was active with several organizations regarding the development of mental and physically handicapped children.
She enjoyed bingo, gaming trips, traveling with her family to several places, including the Cape, Florida, and Washington D.C. or to anywhere there is an ocean and a beach, and, most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Yemma was an extremely charitable, generous, and spiritual person, always putting others' needs over her own. She especially had a strong bond with her youngest daughter, Patricia M. Yemma.
She is survived by her her children, Donald J. Yemma and his wife Carole A. of East Kingston, NH, Kathleen A. Deveau of Georgetown, Antonio J. Yemma and his wife Cheryl A. of Ipswich, and Patricia M. Yemma of Groveland; five grandchildren, Christopher M. Yemma, Tracy A. Yemma, Denise M. Yemma, John L. Yemma, and Peter J. Yemma; and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her godson, Edward Huberdeau of Groveland, where there was always a special place in her heart; and she was the sister of the late Grace Consolazio.
Funeral services will be held Monday morning, July 7, beginning in the C. Frank Linnehan and Son Haverhill Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill, at 9:30 a.m. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Sacred Hearts Church, 165 So. Main Street, Bradford, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Salem Street, Bradford. Calling hours, Sunday, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Contributions in Helen's memory may be made to the Arc of Greater Haverhill, 57 Wingate Street, Suite 301, Haverhill, MA 01832.