Elena “Helen” (Vetrino) Keen of Malden, formerly of the North End, Boston, loving wife of the late Alvin Keen and devoted mother of Brenda Keen of Stoneham, passed peacefully on Friday, November 12, 2010 at Bear Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Stoneham. She was 88 years old.
Born and raised in the North End of Boston, Helen graduated from Girls' High School, Class of 1940. She moved to Malden in 1946 when she married Alvin and resided there until she entered Bear Hill in 2009 after suffering a series of strokes.
A devoted wife and mother, Helen remained at home until her daughter was in high school when she decided to enter the business world working in retail, banking and publishing. She received several commendations and awards for her ideas and work ethic.
Helen had varied interests: the arts, politics, and travel. Her love of painting, crafts, drama, and music permeated her entire life. A talented artist working in water color, acrylics and oils, she was encouraged by her husband to enter her paintings in many local art contests and exhibitions. Her interest in education and politics led her to become involved in many local political campaigns and educational projects. She would travel throughout the United States with her husband attending his Air Force reunions.
A woman of great faith, she was a member of the 630 Prayer Group. When asked what her greatest accomplishment was she would reply "my family".
She will be remembered as a beloved wife, devoted mother, loving sister, caring aunt and loyal friend who will be missed.
The funeral will be held from the A.J. Spadafora Funeral Home, 865 Main Street, Malden on Wednesday, November 17th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Fellsway West, Medford at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, November 16th from 4-8 pm. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to St. Jude Tribute Program,P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.