Helen Marguerite Grover

Helen was born and raised in Cambridge, MA in a close-knit Irish Catholic family that included her parents and eight siblings.

After graduating high school, Helen was employed for a few years as a department store clerk in Boston, selling fine hosiery and accessories. In 1944, she joined the WAVES -- Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service -- a unit of the U.S. Naval Reserve. She served her country honorably as a Yeoman 1st Class, performing clerical and administrative functions until the end of World War II. She then began a distinguished 30-year career as a data analyst at the U.S. Department of the Navy where she remained until her retirement. While working, she took evening courses in Business at George Washington University.

Helen married her beloved husband, Karl, in 1963, and they enjoyed a joyful union until his death in 1999. They loved to dance, take road trips, and host family parties. Throughout their marriage, they lived in Washington DC, Maryland, Andover, MA, Florida, and Cape Cod.

Helen cherished her parents, Mary and Matthew Dwyer, and her eight siblings -- Edward, May, Catherine, Matthew, Dorothy, Elizabeth, James, and Francis -- all of whom predeceased her. She was a beloved aunt to dozens of nieces and nephews. Nothing gave Helen more pleasure than being among family. She treasured annual summer vacations with extended family in Hampton Beach, NH. She loved the beach, ice cream, and lively evening Scrabble games.

Helen was an avid reader, a consummate letter writer, and novice Bridge player. She enjoyed occasional visits to the Yarmouth Senior Center for recreation.

She will be remembered for her many loving deeds, her devotion to her family, and her generous, independent spirit.

Family and friends are invited to attend Helen's funeral service on Tuesday, August 8, at 10:30 a.m. at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 40 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne, MA. Burial will be at the Massachusetts National Veterans Cemetery in Bourne, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen's memory to Hope Hospice of Massachusetts, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis MA 02601