Loved the simple joys of life and at the heart was family
WAKEFIELD — Helen Mary (O’Brien) Moran born October 19, 1939 passed away peacefully at her home in Wakefield on Friday, October 3 at the age of 85.
She was the loving daughter of James H. and Helen B. (Dostal) O’Brien. Helen was born in Astoria, NY and later raised in Malden. She was the first of four children. As a child, Helen learned the importance of family and continued this dedication and love throughout her life. Helen graduated from Malden High School. She later went on to work at Prudential Insurance in Boston and New York before her children were born.
In 1960, Helen met the love of her life Myles Moran. What was an introduction between mutual friends ended up turning into a lifelong love affair. Helen and Myles married in May of 1961. After marriage they moved to Mineola, NY then to Malden, Melrose and later settled for the past 56 years in Wakefield. They raised their family in Wakefield and enjoyed the many lifelong friendships they acquired along the way. Together they spent many years traveling across the country to spend time with family and friends. This past May, they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.
Helen is survived by her husband Myles; her son Kevin Moran and his wife Lori of Atkinson, NH; her daughter Kathy Bankart and her husband Kevin of Marlborough; her daughter Debbie and her partner Carmen Gaeta of Wakefield. Helen was predeceased by her brother William O’Brien and his wife Susane of Dracut. She is survived by her brothers James O’Brien of Corydon, IN and Donald O’Brien and his wife Donna of Georgetown, TX. Helen was the loving grandmother of four grandchildren. She had great love for her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them and sharing their stories. She is survived by Michaela Moran of Londonderry, NH; Brandon Arnott of Donnelly, ID; Ariana Moran of Boston; and Jordyn Arnott of Boston. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Helen was known for her warm and caring personality, always putting others first. Helen loved the simple joys of life and at the heart was her family. She loved spending time at home with family and friends, especially during holidays. Helen was blessed to be able to share her home together with Myles and her loving daughter Debbie and her dedicated partner Carmen. Together they provided endless love and support along with the help of Helen’s favorite four legged friends Jackson and JJ.
A special thank you to whom the family refers to as our angels Gina Panzini and her daughter Brianna. Their love, care and compassion have meant the world to the family and allowed Helen to remain at home while suffering with Alzheimer’s. Another special thank you to the amazing staff at Care Dimensions who helped guide the family through the process and assisted with exceptional care, enabling Helen at the end to remain at her home where she felt most comfortable and at peace.
Family and friends are invited to visiting hours on Friday, November 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. at McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association in Helen’s name at alz.org. Visit mcdonaldfs.com.