Helen M. Morrissey

Helen Muriel (Onorato) Morrissey, aged 94, passed away on January 5, 2023 at the Seabury Meadows after a long illness.

Born in New Britain on May 8, 1928 to James V. and Helen (McKeon) Onorato.  She attended local schools where she graduated from New Britain High School in 1946. Helen went on to graduate from Teachers College which is now Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s degree in teaching and a Masters of Education degree from the University of Hartford in 1951.

Helen loved to frequent Stanley Quarter Park in New Britain where she enjoyed ice skating and was a whiz on the tennis court.  Her hobbies included gardening, reading, playing scrabble, word puzzles, and was an avid Red Sox fan. She moved to Kensington in 1954.  She began her teaching career as a first grade teacher at the Smith School in New Britain and enjoyed a 15 year career before leaving to raise her family, then became a long term substitute teacher when her children were in school. 

Helen enjoyed traveling by air and by sea with all of her good friends and relatives, including 2 trips to Ireland and several western Caribbean cruises.

Helen was a member of St Paul Church and was an active member of the Ladies Guild, the Women’s Club of New Britain, and in later years, a member of the Lady Niners, a golf league held at the Timberlin Golf Course.  She would always call her sons and tell them how well she played that particular day.  Playing golf with her friends filled the void of losing her husband in 1994. Helen was a loving, caring and generous person who was always ready to help a friend in need. She especially enjoyed gathering with family, friends, and kissing cousins.

She is predeceased by her husband Robert E. Morrissey.  She is survived by two sons and daughters in law:  Robert J Morrissey, his wife Jodi and daughter Sarah and Dr. J. Michael Morrissey, his wife Michele and their children Madison and Jack, and her many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brother and sister in law James and Claire Onorato and their 2 sons Jamie and David.

The burial will be private. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 11:30 AM at St. Paul Church, 485 Alling Street, Kensington.  Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin is in charge of arrangements.

We would like to thank the staff at the Seabury Meadows for their dedication and excellent care, making Helen’s last years joyful, and last moments peaceful. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Seabury Charitable Foundation, 200 Seabury Drive, Bloomfield, CT 06002. 

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