March 7, 1930 – March 22, 2022
Passed away unexpectedly at Mass General Hospital on Tuesday March 22, 2022. A resident of Norwood, formerly of Medfield and Wareham. She was the daughter of Eva and Lewis Clark of Medfield.
Survived by her husband of 69 years, Charles, of Norwood; her sister, Verna Thayer of California, MD; and brother-in-law Joseph Dubin of Newington, CT. Predeceased by her brother David of Ashland, her sister Brenda of Newington, CT, and her son David of Foxboro.
Also survived by her son, Mark, of Medfield and his wife, Lucille; David’s widow, Clare, of Foxboro; grandchildren Matthew and his wife, Justine, of Millbury; Caitlin Durkin and her husband, Jack, of Jamaica Plain; Scott of Mansfield; Doug of Foxboro; Kelly of Foxboro; and great grandchildren Ethan and Eleanor of Millbury. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Helen was born and raised in Medfield on South Street Extension. She was the 10th generation of the Clark family to live in Medfield, a direct descendant of Joseph Clark, one of the original 13 founders of Medfield. Graduate of Medfield High School, Class of 1948, and Burdett Business College.
She met the love of her life, Charles, while they both were working at Bird Machine Company in South Walpole. She later worked as a legal secretary for Judge Briggs of Attleboro. She spent 20 years as a pre-school teacher alongside her cousin Pauline Coulter who owned Winter Day School in Medfield. She also volunteered as a Sunday School teacher and was active in the Women’s Group at the United Church of Christ in Medfield. Member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Hannah Adams Women’s Club, Medfield Garden Club, and Medfield 325th Anniversary Committee. She also developed into a very talented watercolor painter. Her paintings grace the walls of many family members.
When she and Charles retired to Wareham she continued her volunteer activities for many years at Tobey Hospital and the Wareham Garden Club. She also worked at My Fair Lady consignment shop. Helen joined the garden club in 1992-3. She was very active – volunteering for good cheer, recording secretary, historian, civic decorations, arbor day committee, conservation, assistant treasurer, nominating committee and auditor. Helen enjoyed baking and always brought goodies for the bake sales. Her favorite recipe was lemon squares. Helen led the first workshop for making the very popular boxwood trees that the club sold every year at our Christmas Faire.
In 2019, she and Charles moved to Benchmark Assisted Living in Norwood. She enjoyed many activities there, and they made many new friends.
Helen will always be remembered as the woman who knew how to act and dress appropriately for every occasion. She was the definition of class, with an elegant demeanor built upon a will of steel. We will miss her vibrant, fierce, and loving personality. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.