Helena T. McLennan

A life-long resident of Lynn, Helena was born September 10, 1926 to Patrick and Margaret (O’Donovan) Conway and grew up overlooking Barry Park. She attended Sacred Heart School and St. Mary’s Girl’s High School Class of 1944.

After graduating from high school she held “defense-related” positions, and then while raising her family and working, attended Essex Agricultural Institute in 1961, earning her Associates Degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She went on to work for Salem Hospital, the VNA of Lynn, and then became a Certified Nursing Home Administrator at facilities that included the Avalon and Abbott House. Not even briefly considering retirement, she went on to become a Medicaid Utilization Review Specialist for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts traveling the length and breathe of the Commonwealth for several years. Rounding out her career, she managed elderly housing complexes including; the Olympia Square Apartments, St. Stephen’s of Lynn, and Casa Maria in the North End for ten more years.

Easing into retirement, Helena served on the Lynn Waterways Commission for two terms, proudly maintained her LPN license via Continuing Education Courses, was a well-known Lynn Democratic political activist, and for ten years was a “tight-fisted” member and past Chairman of the 295 Lynn Shore Drive Condominium Association, until her resignation in March of this year.

Sometimes forgotten, (except by those who had the pleasure of hearing her sing) is that beginning as a child, Helena became an accomplished vocalist, referred to in the Lynn Telegram as the “Songbird of Barry Park”. As a teenager she went on to sing professionally at churches, weddings, and had a loyal following at USO and other area dance events as a lead vocalist for some of the Boston area’s most popular orchestras.

In addition to her outstanding professional careers, Helena was a loving sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and most of all an honest friend to those that had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by two children, Lawrence J. McLennan Jr. and his wife Gloria of Phoenix, AZ, and Andrea A. McLennan of Lynn. Grandchildren, Lawrence J. McLennan, III of Tempe, AZ, and Samantha Christine McLennan of Seattle, WA. Also survived by an adoring cast of nieces and nephews, her sister-in-law Ruth McLennan of Lynn, and her scores of life-long friends and associates. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brothers John and Francis Conway, and her sister Mary Keniston.

The McLennan family would like to express their appreciation to her nieces, close friends, and a special thanks to the “295 Sorority” for their unwavering support during Helena’s recent time of need.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Chapel, 8 S. Common St. Lynn on Saturday, June 9, at 11AM. The family will receive visitors in the Chapel from 10AM until the time of Mass. Immediately following the Mass there will be a reception at 295 Lynn Shore Drive. In lieu of flowers the family would request that donations be sent to the Helena T. McLennan Scholarship Fund c/o Saint Mary’s High School, in order to assist a “worthy” St. Mary’s student pursue a college degree in nursing. Arrangements entrusted to the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple St. Lynn.