Obituary

Boylston—Helen (Johnson) Pelkey, born in 1926, died Friday, October 3, 2008, at home surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of Inar and Delphia (Streeter) Johnson, and the sister of Irma Kupstas and Deborah Gelinas, both deceased. She lived in Milford and Worcester, graduating from Classical High School.

After graduation, Helen worked at AT&T as a telephone operator. She met the love of her life, Robert Pelkey shortly after he came home from the war, and they married in 1949. They lived for a few years in Santa Monica while Bob attended UCLA, returning to Worcester shortly after he graduated. They moved to Boylston in 1957.

Helen worked at Sprague Electric Company from the late '60's to her retirement in the mid-'80's. She was a past deacon in the First Congregational Church of Boylston. She was active in the town's Senior Citizen Club, volunteered at UMass Medical Center, delivered Meals on Wheels to Boylston shut-ins, and gave countless hours to other community and church activities. Helen was honored by Fallon Senior Day Care Center for volunteering more than 500 hours of service.

Bob passed away in May of this year. Helen is survived by their five children, Bob and his wife Debbie of Woodstock, Vermont; Tom and his wife Kathy of Hoosick Falls, New York; Jackie Orent Nathan and her husband Jeff of Andover; Jeralyn Fernandes and her husband Michael of Westport; and Robbyn Wysocki and her husband Stephen of Plano, Texas. They were the beloved grandparents of 14 adoring grandchildren and one great-grandson. Her family will always remember the pure love their Nana embodied. She lived for her family, and they were comfortable in her peaceful embrace. We will never forget her playful enthusiasm, infectious laugh, and wonderful family gatherings. She was a tireless giver of her time, with energy for anyone in need.

Calling hours are 5-7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 5, at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in the First Congregational Church of Boylston, with burial in Pine Grove Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parish Care, First Congregational Church, 10 Church Street, Boylston MA 01505. For directions and on-line condolences, please click on the link below.