Obituary: Helen Monagle, 90, Longtime Medford Resident

The following is from Doherty Funeral Home.

Helen T. (Skovinski) Monagle, a longtime resident of Medford and Pocasset, who was born and raised in the West End of Boston, died suddenly by accident on Thursday, June 12, 2014. 

Beloved wife of the late Bernard L. Monagle. Loving mother of Bernard F. and his wife Beverly of Nashua, New Hampshire, Maryann McGerigle and her husband Michael of Braintree, Rosemary Cottone and her husband John of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Joseph and his wife Jean of Thornton, New Hampshire, and the late Michael and Richard Monagle. Sister of George Skovinski, Stella George, Alice Niland and the late William, Walter, Victor, Henry Skovinski and Valerie McLaughlin. Devoted grandmother of 12 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway, Powder House Square, Somerville, Wednesday 4-7 p.m. Funeral service and interment are private. 

Helen retired at age 70 as an employee and supervisor of 24 years at the South Postal Annex of the U.S. Postal Service; she then served for many years as a volunteer at Medford Public Library. 

She was an independent woman who always fought for her rights. She loved her family dearly and especially enjoyed holiday gatherings. 

Prior to her death she lifted weights and walked every day throughout Medford and Somerville. She enjoyed shopping at local stores and specialty shops and had a great sense of style and fashion. She often thought of one day opening a vintage clothing store. 

She ate healthfully and was very proud of her independence. One of her goals was to live happily to the age of 105. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Helen’s memory to Chelsea Soldiers Home, 91 Crest Ave., Chelsea, MA 02150, or your local food pantry.