Helen C Boyle

Longmeadow - Helen Coonan Boyle passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on the evening of May 27, 2019. Helen was born on November 25, 1929, the fourth of seven children. She grew up in the Forest Park area of Springfield and graduated from Classical High School in 1947. She worked as a librarian in Springfield for almost 20 years, where she rose to the rank of Senior Children’s Librarian at Winchester Square (now Mason Square) Library. She married Thomas J. Boyle of Springfield on August 17, 1957, who predeceased her on August 10, 1996. She leaves three children: Helen Nolan Boyle of Washington, DC; Thomas Coonan Boyle and his wife, Olga; and Dr. Elizabeth Boyle and her husband, Richard Norman, and their children Rose, Ben, Luke and Cole Norman; and brother Rev. Robert J. Coonan, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Hatfield, MA. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and dear friends. Helen and her husband were among the founders of St. Catherine of Siena parish in 1961 and served on the parish council. Helen served on the Women’s Guild, on the summer bible school program, and she was a lector for over 15 years. She worked in the Faith Formation program at St. Catherine’s for 15 years, serving on the confirmation, baptism, pre-cana and RCIA committees. She and her husband helped found and contributed to Siena Sidelights and “Reflections,” a booklet about St. Catherine of Siena parish. She was honored by the parish as a recipient of the Pius X award in 2000 for her service. Helen was a member of the Advisory Board for the Foundation of the Diocese of Springfield. One of her proudest accomplishments was serving as a co-chairperson for the 2006 Annual Catholic Appeal campaign, and was a recipient of the Bishop’s Circle of Friends Award for work done in the Diocese. Helen was also an active community volunteer. She co-chaired the Brightside Angel Campaign, and receiving an award from Brightside for her commitment to children. She was President of the Advisory Council for the Springfield School Volunteers, served on the Sixteen Acres Civic Association and on multiple PTAs. Helen was President of the Friends of the Springfield Library, was appointed a member of the Springfield Library Study Committee, and served on the team to expand and renovate the 16 Acres Library branch. Finally, Helen was an avid and accomplished tennis player and recipient of many trophies and medals. Friends and family are invited to gather for calling hours Friday May 31st, 2019 from 4-7pm in the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow MA, 01028. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 1st, 2019 in the funeral home at 7:45am, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:00am in St. Mary’s Parish, 519 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA. A burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Baystate Health Foundation—Hospice Program 280 Chestnut Street, Springfield MA, 01199, and the Faith Formation programs at St. Catherine’s of Siena, 1023 Parker Street, Springfield, MA, 01129 or St. Mary’s Parish, 519 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA 01106. To leave a message of personal condolence or for more information, please visit www.forastiere.com.