Helen M. Corcoran, 104, was called to rest on Thursday, January 5th, 2017 at the Berkeley Nursing Home where she resided.

She was born in Methuen on 12/12/12, and resided in Methuen most of her life. She was the daughter of Alice and Maxwell Kitt. She was predeceased by her husband William Corcoran.

Helen was well known for her generosity, giving away, with great joy, all of her possessions to her family members and friends. She was gifted in the art of creating beautiful sweaters, afghans, and other knitted or crocheted items, as well as craft items. Helen was an excellent cook who liked sharing recipes with her family. She was famous for her Irish Boiled dinners and trained her grandson Dan to make it exactly like hers. The family enjoys a cookbook of all her excellent recipes.

Helen completed six years of school and left to work at various shoe shops throughout her life, to support her family. She was known as one of the fastest most accurate at stitching.
She was an avid reader, educating herself, and earned her equivalency High School Diploma, awarded to her at age 102 by the late Arthur Nicholson.

Helen was adored by her son, Donald Towler and his wife Janet and also her grandchildren; Donna Zacharias and husband Robert, Kim Kowal and husband Michael, and Daniel Towler and his wife Mary. Her eight great-grandchildren loved and adored her as well. They include: Erin Anderson and husband Eric, Derek Zacharias and his wife Lindsey, Ryan Kowal, Kyle Kowal, Kelsey Kowal, Sean Towler, Rachel Towler and Ben Towler. She is also survived by three great-great-grandchildren: Isabel Anderson, William Zacharias and Sienna Zacharias and her brother-in-law Donald Corcoran.
The family expresses very deep gratitude for the loving care of the wonderful nurses, aides, caretakers, and staff of the Berkeley Home. Helen always expressed her joy of living there with the many friends who became like family to her. She participated in activities there right up until her death.

Helen’s life will be celebrated at First Church Congregational in Methuen on January 10th, 2017, at 11:00 AM. Calling Hours are at the Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home in Methuen, on January 9th, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Berkeley Activities fund, 150 Berkeley Street, Lawrence, MA 01841 or to First Church Congregational Organ Restoration Fund, 26 Pleasant Street, Methuen, MA 01844. To send an online Condolence, please visit www.dewhirstfuneral.com.

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