Helen C. (Crowder) Merullo

LONGMEADOW- Helen C. Merullo, 81, passed away peacefully at her home on August 27, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. Helen was born on March 18, 1938 born in Springfield, MA to the late Charles and Helen (Gilmore) Crowder. Helen earned her Bachelor’s degree in education and became a fixture in the Longmeadow School System, educating children for over 40 years. She was known for her love of her students, her innovative way of teaching, and her pleasant outlook on life. Helen was always the first to find the good in someone, and lived her life with an open heart and mind. Outside of teaching she was a voracious reader, enjoyed sailing, a good card game, and hosting parties for her family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband and love of her life Ralph A. Merullo in 2016. To cherish her memory she leaves her children Ralph C. Merullo and his wife Andrea; her daughter Stacy Meredith and her husband Buddy; brothers Richard Crowder and his wife Anna, and Charles Crowder; grandchildren Alex and Rachel Merullo, Trevor and Jordan Lam, Grady and Ava Meredith, Justin Barber-Merullo, and Tyler Merullo; and her great-grandchildren Devin and Ryann Barber-Merullo. Along with her parents and husband, Helen was predeceased by her son Chris Merullo and her sister Shirley Bessler. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., East Longmeadow on Saturday, August 31 from 9:00AM-11:00AM with a funeral home service to follow at 11:00AM. Burial will follow in Longmeadow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Helens honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, 264 Cottage St, Springfield, MA 01104.