Helen M. Wisner

Helen Marguerite (Skerry) Wisner, 99, passed peacefully on June 21, 2024 at Charlene Manor Extended Care in Greenfield MA. She was born September 1, 1924 in New Ross, Nova Scotia, Canada, the eldest daughter of Clarence and Jacqueline (MacLennan) Skerry. Helen’s life spanned a century of change, which she documented at age 84 in her memoir, “Memories of my Life.” As an example, she began her education in a one-room schoolhouse using an old-fashioned slate. Sadly at age 6 Helen lost her mother, after which she and her 5 siblings were split up and moved among various foster homes. She credits one special caregiver Mrs. Lena Bachman with inspiring her to always be a faithful Christian.

Helen eventually moved to Worcester MA and attended David Hale Fanning Trade School for Girls, where she became a seamstress. At age 16 she began employment at J.C. MacInness creating wedding gowns, dresses, and costumes, a skill she continued throughout her life. Helen later held various positions in office and retail, retiring in 1989 as a dietician at Holden Hospital.

Helen married Frank A. Wisner Sr. of Holden, MA, in 1946. They enjoyed 61 years together before his passing in 2007. The couple built a house with their own hands on the Wisner family farm, where they raised 3 children. Every year Helen planted a large vegetable garden, from which she created many delicious, healthy meals. She was a founding member of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Holden, where she sang soprano in their choir for over 50 years. Helen was still singing snippets of hymns until the week she passed.

After retirement, Helen had 35 more active years of life. Her greatest joy was helping care for her grand- and later great-grandchildren. Helen continued to garden, sew, knit, and sing. She was an avid reader and a whiz at crossword and jigsaw puzzles. For over 20 years, Helen participated in a pen pal program with local 2nd graders. She also performed with a troupe of friends “The Silly Seniors” as “Sammy the Clown.” She attributed her good health and long life to walking daily, and was an organizer of the Holden Senior Center walking group. In 2012 at age 88, she received their “Volunteer of the Year” award. Helen enjoyed her many friends, and made even more when she moved to Greenfield in 2014.

Helen leaves behind two devoted daughters: Jacquelyn Kelly of Princeton MA, and Susan Weeks and her husband Leonard of Greenfield. Her 6 dear grandsons and their partners: Christopher and Mariella Kelly of Holden, Jonathan Kelly of Princeton, and Thaddeus Kelly and Maureen Carroll of Worcester; as well as Jesse Weeks and Catherine Buell of Princeton, Jarad Weeks and Zoe Darrow of Bernardston, and Taran Weeks and Jessica Bernaski of Greenfield. Helen was thrilled to become a “GG” to her 5 great-grandchildren: Cameran and Logan Weeks (Jesse), Sylvia and Margarita Kelly (Christopher), and Pearl Weeks (Jarad). Sadly, Helen’s son Frank A. Wisner Jr. predeceased her in 2004.

A memorial service will be held at Second Congregational Church of Greenfield with Rev. Dr. Susan Tarolli officiating on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 10:00AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to either St. Francis Episcopal Church (70 Highland Street, Holden MA 01520) or Second Congregational Church 16 Court Square, Greenfield MA 01301. Helen was interred in the High Street Cemetery, Greenfield, MA in a private service with family in attendance. McCarthy Funeral Homes of Greenfield MA has been entrusted with arrangements. Expressions of one’s condolence, may be directed to Helen’s Tribute Wall, at www.mccarthyfuneralhomes.com. McCarthy Funeral Homes entrusted with Helen’s care and arrangements.

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