Helen A. Kennedy

ATHOL — Helen A. Kennedy, age 88, of Athol, died Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at Quabbin Valley Healthcare. Helen was born Feb. 15, 1928, in Athol. She is the daughter of the late Arthur S. and the late Blanche M. (Holton) Bisbee. She married Russell E. Kennedy on Jan. 29, 1949. Helen lived in Athol all of her life, graduating from Athol High School in 1946 after serving as class vice president. She received the D.A.R. good citizenship award in her senior year of high school. She was a homemaker and also worked as a waitress. She was employed by the former Athol Steak House, Whitney’s Restaurant, F.W. Woolworth Dept. Store and Giant Dept. Store. She was a member of the First Congregational Parish Unitarian of Petersham, a former member of the First Congregational Unitarian in Athol for over 65 years where she taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir and belonged to the Unity Club. She was a member of Athol Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, A.A.R.P. Mt. Grace Chapter, the Athol Historical Society, was very involved in area musicals being a member of the “Merritones” and the “Adepts,” formed the “Ozark Sweethearts” singing group and participated in many minstrel shows. She always enjoyed musicals and corresponding with friends and family through note writing. She is survived by her husband, Russell E. Kennedy; two daughters, Cynthia J. Gates of Athol, and Joanna Baczewski and her husband Michael of Rochester, N.H.; and one son, Robert Kennedy of Orange. She also has five grandchildren, Emily Bulger, Brenda Langille, Thomas Gates, Matthew Baczewski and Suzanne Baczewski; seven great-grandchildren, Kylie Bulger, Dylan Bulger, Bradley Gates, Audrey Gates, Wyatt Langille, Tessa and Cara Baczewski; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She is predeceased by her brothers, Robert, James and John Bisbee; and sisters, Ruth Johnstone, Jean Rand and Evelyn Richards. A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 26, at 2 p.m., at Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol, with Rev. John Pastor officiating. Burial will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol. A calling hour will be held Thursday, May 26, at 1 p.m., at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Helen's name to the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.