Helen J. Dunn Mullaly

"Helen J. Dunn Gunn Mullaly Former resident of Palmer 1918 – 2011 Helen (Dunn) Gunn Mullaly died peacefully on January 26, 2011 in Virginia. Helen stayed in touch with family and friends around the country by sending birthday cards and writing long letters about her current and early life, full of details and joy. She loved reading and enjoyed hearing everyone's news, often phoning friends far away to chat. She was proud of her Irish heritage and being from Palmer MA. She was 92 years old. Helen was born in Palmer, MA to Daniel J. and Mary F. Dunn and graduated from Palmer High School (1936). She grew up in the house built by her grandfather (circa 1895) at "the top of Central Street" and lived most of her life there. After the early death of her husband, Pete Gunn, she raised their two daughters herself. She worked in the District Court and Probation office in Palmer until her retirement. She also resided in Monson and Warren MA, Adak, Alaska, San Ramon CA, and Suffolk VA. Helen was predeceased by her husband Wilbur D "Pete" Gunn (1953), infant son Richard (1943), her second husband William J. Mullaly, and her only sister Catherine Dalton and their two brothers. She is survived by her daughters Joyce Gunn of Pittsburg CA and Janice (Brian) Smullen of Suffolk VA, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helen was very proud of her seven grandchildren: Brianna (Ed) Stuart of Bothell WA, Krista (Peter) Little of Buckley WA and Matthew Bradley of Phoenix AZ--Joyce's children; Susanna (Todd) Lanier of Julian NC, Dan (Jennifer) Smullen of Richmond VA, Marie Smullen of Durham NC and Caroline (Mark) Foresman of Suffolk VA--Janice's children. She also deeply loved her "dozen great-grandchildren" – Margaret Blue, Joseph "Caleb", Ruth Elizabeth, Samuel Neese, Timothy Brian, Anna Joy, Jack Andrew and Sarah Abigail Lanier; Madelyn Paige Smullen, Cecilia Grace Foresman, and twins Beckett Elisabeth and Owain Alexander Stuart. Her pride in her children and their families was evident in her letters and conversations. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Helen will be remembered for her keen wit and impish smile, her love for and pride in her extended family, and her devotion to the Catholic Church. On Helen's 93rd birthday, June 9, a funeral mass will be held in Palmer MA at St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 10 AM followed by burial of cremains at St. Thomas Cemetery. A lifelong supporter of libraries, donations in her memory can be sent to Palmer Public Library, 1455 N. Main St, Palmer MA 01069. "