Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — E. Helen (Hedley) Walley, age 98, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, in Charlotte, NC. Formerly of Wilmington, MA, and Brooksville, FL, she was born in Boston on August 28, 1927, to the late Wilson I. and Ethel (Evans) Hedley.
Helen grew up in Buffalo, NY, alongside her brothers, Wilson and John, who affectionately nicknamed her “Sister.” After working for the government in New York City and the Veterans Administration in Boston, she met the love of her life, Kenneth M. Walley. They married on January 15, 1949, and spent over 35 years in Wilmington, where they built their family home and raised six children. Together, they also hand-built a beloved family cottage in Antrim, NH, creating generations of summer memories.
Dedicated to her community, Helen taught Sunday school at the Wilmington United Methodist Church, served as a Cub Scout Pack 59 Den Mother, and later worked as a school teacher’s aide and home health aide. She and Ken retired to Brooksville, FL, where they enjoyed global travel and cruises. Known affectionately as the “Candy Lady,” Helen always had sweets to share. She was famous for her quick wit, practical jokes, and her dedication to remembering every family birthday and anniversary.
Helen was the beloved wife of the late Kenneth M. Walley. She was the mother of Joy Novy (Fort Mill, SC), Keith Walley and wife D’Anne Sylvain (Springfield, VA), and the late Brian (survived by wife Kathy), Lorene Walley-Essbach, Kenneth Jr., and Harold Walley. She was the cherished grandmother of 11 and the great-grandmother to many.
Family and friends will gather for Visitation at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, on Saturday, May 30th, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. A private Graveside Service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VIA Health Partners, 7845 Little Ave., Charlotte, NC 28226.
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