NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Helen Donovan Flaherty, 93, of East Avenue died Saturday, November 12, 2016, at the Southern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, Vt.

She was born in Fitchburg, Mass., on March 29, 1923, a daughter to the late Edward and Elizabeth (Buckley) Donovan. She attended schools in Gardner and North Adams, attending St. Joseph's Grammar and High Schools. She then attended and graduated Mt. St. Joseph's Academy in Rutland, Vt.

Helen was employed as an operator and supervisor for New England Telephone until her marriage to John R. Flaherty in 1946. After her husband’s graduation from New England College of Optometry, she moved to North Adams and worked part time in his office and the NE Telephone Company.

Helen was a member of the St. Francis Church and its Rosary Society as well as a Eucharistic minister. She volunteered at the North Adams Regional Hospital and for 20 years with the American Red Cross. In her later years she enjoyed playing bridge and taught line dancing at the Harper Center in Williamstown.

Survivors include her husband, Dr. John R. Flaherty, whom she married in Rutland, Vt., on June 22, 1946; two sons, John E. Flaherty and his wife Susan of Pennsylvania and Edward Flaherty of North Adams; two grandchildren, Shannon Lurenz and Shaun Flaherty; one sister, Sheila Racette of Rutland, Vt.; one sister-in-law, Carol Poirier; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Kathryn Taft and Elizabeth Hannon.

Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Helen Donovan Flaherty will take place on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at 10 a.m. in the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams. Burial will follow in the Southview Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 18, 2016, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Flynn and Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapel, 74 Marshall Street, North Adams. Memorial donations are suggested for the Adult Day Health Center in North Adams through the funeral home.