Helen F. Crafts Obituary (1929 - 2013)

Chelmsford Helen Florence (Ross) Crafts, age 83, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday morning, April 15, 2013. She was the beloved wife of Barry S. Crafts with whom she celebrated 55 years of marriage last June. Born in Framingham, MA on September 3, 1929 she grew up in Holliston and Framingham. She was the daughter of the late Elmon F. and Florence E. (Cunningham) Ross. She is predeceased by her brothers Francis E. Ross and Donald J. Ross. Helen graduated from Framingham High School and Burdett College. Before marrying, she was employed by the telephone company and the C.T. Garrahan Insurance Agency in Framingham. Her Catholic faith was a vital and integral part of Helens life. She was an active member of St. Mary Parish in Chelmsford for more than 50 years, serving as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. In addition, she taught CCD, served on the Bereavement Committee, and was a member of St. Mary Sodality. Helen devoted her life to serving others, beginning as a volunteer for the Red Cross after World War II caring for veterans. She recalled this experience as the best gift I ever gave myself. She was a past officer for the Chelmsford Garrison House and for many years volunteered for various functions and activities. She was a strong advocate for education of those with special needs, inspired by the birth of her daughter Karen. Along with her close friend Margaret Nuttall, they formed the Chelmsford Nursery School for Exceptional Children in 1967. Helen continued to be a pioneer in pursuit of educational opportunities for special needs children. Her proudest moment was in 1985 when Karen became the first non-academic special education student in Chelmsford High School history to receive her Certificate of Recognition at graduation ceremonies with her class. Her most fulfilling volunteer work was for the Recreational Adult Resource Association (RARA), an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with special needs. Helen spent countless hours volunteering for RARA events, including coaching Special Olympic cross country ski and swim teams. She always felt that she got back much more than she gave. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her six children including Kathleen ONeill of Westford, MA; Brian Crafts and his wife Ann Marie of Chelmsford, MA; Nancy Lindbom and her husband Peter of Cape Neddick, ME; Carol Wilson and her husband Edward of Chapel Hill, NC; Karen Crafts of Chelmsford, MA and Stephen Crafts of Watertown, MA. Nana loved spending time at her home in York Beach, ME with her fourteen grandchildren: Kelleigh, Tricia, and Rebecca ONeill; Erin and Michael Crafts; Jeffrey, Katherine, George, and Eric Lindbom; Hayley, Teddy, and Sean Wilson; Jackson and Jessica Crafts. She is also survived by her sister, Madeline Chaplin, of Framingham, MA and many nieces and nephews. During her long illness, she was lovingly cared for by Noreen Mulligan, Jennifer Lynch, Mary Leonard, Nora Petrosene, Alison Bing, Judy OConnor and Abbey Laushine . The family would also like to thank Merrimack Valley Hospice for their support during Helens final months. Visiting hours will be on Friday from 2 to 4 pm and from 6 to 8 pm at the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen St., CHELMSFORD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9 oclock at St. Mary Parish, 25 North Rd., Chelmsford. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Interment in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to RARA, 295 High Street, Lowell, MA 01852 or www.raraagency.org. First Visitation April 19, 2013 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Blake Funeral Home 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Second Visitation April 19, 2013 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Blake Funeral Home 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Service Information April 20, 2013 9:00am, Saint Mary Catholic Church 25 North Road Chelmsford, MA 01824 Interment Location Pine Ridge Cemetery 130 Billerica Road Chelmsford, MA 01824