Helen Flaherty

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Helen Flaherty, 67, of Concord, a loving mother and grandmother, who once worked in the classified advertising department of the Staten Island Advance, died Tuesday after a long illness at Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.

The former Helen Aanonsen was born in Great Kills and raised in Westerleigh. After she and John Flaherty wed, the couple lived in Westerleigh, before settling in Concord in 1972.

She was a graduate of Port Richmond High School.

Mrs. Flaherty began her career doing clerical work in a law office. From 1995 to 2003, she was employed at the Staten Island Advance as an advisor in the classified department.

Mrs. Flaherty enjoyed completing word puzzles, using her iPad, and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren.

According to her family, she was known for making Norwegian Sweetheart Waffles, which were her grandchildren’s favorite dessert.

She is predeceased by her son Kevin, who died in infancy in 1972, and her daughter Bridgette Flaherty, who died in 1996.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, John; two daughters, Tracy D’Acunto and Melinda Mazzone; two sisters, Anne Collins and Catherine Sullivan, and six grandchildren.

The funeral service will be Friday at 11 a.m. in the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Brighton