OBITUARY: Helen Patricia (Martell) O’Sullivan, 80

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Helen Patricia (Martell) O’Sullivan, age 80, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2024, following a long and courageous health battle.

Helen was born on January 25, 1944, in Cambridge, MA; she was the dear daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine (Donahue) Martell. Helen was raised and educated in Cambridge; moved to Tewksbury as a young lady and graduated from Tewksbury High School.

Following graduation, Helen took a job at MIT Laboratories in Cambridge, where she worked on the Apollo and Trident programs meeting many if not all of the astronauts that came and went during that time. This is also where Helen met “the love of her life” Michael O’Sullivan; the couple were inseparable and married on August 13, 1966, at St. John’s Church in Cambridge.

Helen and Michael lived in the city for a few years before moving “up country” to Wilmington, where they bought their “forever home” and raised two wonderful sons. Helen took a leave of absence from work to raise her family with unconditional love and support. She attended every school and sporting event; she encouraged her sons to do their best and she was always their biggest cheerleader.

As her family grew and started lives of their own, Helen returned to the work force taking a position at Tufts Insurance setting up their return mail department. Helen had a great work ethic and wonderful people skills; she make many friends in her workplace throughout the years.

Helen was very talented; for many years she made beautiful outfits for herself and she was quite a fashionista. She also crocheted countless scarfs, blankets, sweaters and sweatshirts, for family and friends. Helen took her creations to many craft fairs with her husband Michael at her side; her wares were so beautiful and unique that she had no problem selling out at every show.

When Helen became “Grammy” to Keara, Joseph, and Kerry, her world became even brighter; she enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren and treasured all the time they spent together. Helen was always so proud of her family and all of their accomplishments.

In her spare time Helen loved entertaining the neighborhood with her three and a half foot speakers listing to any music that grabbed her while cleaning the house or ironing. Helen will be fondly remembered as a beautiful lady inside and out; she had strength and perseverance that helped her through her illness and she never gave up. Helen loved her family and friends with all her heart and she will forever be missed.

Helen is survived by her beloved husband Michael with whom she would have celebrated her 58th Wedding Anniversary in August, she was the devoted mother of Brian O’Sullivan and his wife Andrea of Tewksbury and Derek O’ Sullivan of Wilmington. She was the loving “Grammy” of Keara, Joseph, and Kerry O’Sullivan, of Tewksbury, the dear sister of the late Catherine, Theresa, and Joseph, and special aunt of Karen Klufts of Salem, NH.

Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62) Wilmington, MA, on Friday, June 7th from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. followed by a Service to celebrate Helen’s life at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.