Helen G. Palumbo

WORCESTER- Helen G. (Connole) Palumbo, 91, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 11, surrounded by her devoted family and the caring staff at Autumn Village Nursing Center and Brookhaven Hospice in Worcester. She was predeceased by her husband of 33 years, Matthew ("Mitt") Palumbo Sr. in 1976 and her infant daughter, Mary, in 1944. Helen leaves her loving children, Matthew Palumbo Jr. of Worcester, Eloise Palumbo and Jerard Torres of Winthrop, Thomas and Kathleen Palumbo of Sutton; her devoted grandchildren, Gina Palumbo and Craig Polewaczyk of Worcester, Kate Palumbo and Christopher Hogan of Jefferson, Alysha (Palumbo) and Christopher Garvin of Amherst, NY, Andrew Palumbo of Schenectady, NY, Ashley Palumbo of Sutton; her adored great-grandchildren, Ella and Jude Hogan of Jefferson. One of 7 children, Helen is survived by her sister and lifelong best friend, Bette Mitchell and her husband, Paul, of Worcester. She also leaves her former daughter-in-law, Nancy Fiske of Sterling, her step-granddaughter, Donna O'Meara of Northbridge, and many nieces and nephews.

Born on March 27, 1917 in Worcester, Helen was one of the first female managers for CVS, managing stores in downtown Worcester in the 1960s and 1970s. Through her late 80s, Helen remained a very energetic person, who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Helen's signature hearty laugh was infectious and recognized and enjoyed by all who knew and loved her. She was a popular regular at her grandchildren's activities. As the matriarch, Helen took pride in her family's accomplishments and her constant advice to her grandchildren was "Don't ever change." Their love and pride in her never will.

Helen was a long-standing member of St. John's Church in Worcester, since graduating from St. John's Elementary School. She was a 1935 graduate of the former Ascension High School, also in Worcester.

A visitation will be held Monday at the Callahan & Fay Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. A funeral mass in celebration of Helen's life will follow at 11 AM at St. John's Church, 44 Temple Street, Worcester. A private interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Autumn Village Residents' Activity Fund, 25 Oriol Drive, Worcester, MA 01605. For directions and online condolence book please visit www.callahanfay.com