Helen J. Rice

Helen J. Rice, 73, passed away peacefully at home on Good Friday, April 22, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born in Framingham, the daughter of Edward Cunneen and his wife Winifred (Burke) Cunneen. Helen received her education in the Framingham schools.

Her working experience included waitressing at Marconi’s Restaurant in Ashland, MA and various restaurants on Cape Cod. She also worked as a home health aide for the Cape Cod VNA as well as a Certified Nursing Assistant for Cape Cod Hospital for many years.

Widow of the late Richard T. Haggerty and Richard J. Welch she was a “Gold Star Mother” of the late 1st Lieutenant Thomas J. Haggerty (first Massachusetts soldier killed in the Persian Gulf War). Helen was also predeceased by her sister Margaret A. (Cunneen) Wood.

She is survived by a son, Robert T. Haggerty, his wife Mary Anne and grandsons Andrew and Thomas all of Pittsfield MA. She also leaves her daughter Sherry A Haggerty-Quinlan and granddaughters Jessica and Stephanie of Attleboro MA. Her brother, Arthur J. Cunneen as well as sister, Mary T. (Cunneen) and her husband Roy Christensen also survive her. She also leaves her dear friend Dottie Segerman as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be Thursday April 28, 2011 from 4-7pm at the Doane Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 160 W. Main St. Hyannis, MA 02601. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday April 29 at 10am at Our Lady of Victory Church 230 S. Main St. Centerville, MA 02632. Interment will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod 765 Attucks Lane Hyannis, MA 02601.