Helen Josephine (West) McNally, age 79 of Lovell Lake Road, died peacefully at her home on Sunday morning, October 9, 2011 with her family at her side.



Born August 20, 1932 in Boston, MA. She was the daughter of James F. and Dorothy P. (McLaughlin) West formerly of Mattapan, MA. She was the oldest of three children. Helen and Paul raised their four children in Sudbury, MA and later retired to Sanbornville, NH 1993.



Helen was a retired administrative assistant for the Lincoln–Sudbury Regional High School in Sudbury, MA. She was affectionately known by her students and staff as Mrs. "M".



While living in Sudbury, Helen was an active volunteer for the United Way, the Horse Pond Road School Library, and Girl Scouting. She was a member of the Sudbury Garden Club, the League of Women Voters and the Democratic Town Committee.



Helen worked many years at the Gafney Library, was a lector and parishioner at Saint Anthony's Church, worked as an election monitor for the Town of Wakefield, was a member of the Moose Mountain Democratic and was a member of the Wakefield Senior Citizens.



Helen was a life long Red Sox Fan, avid reader and enjoyed sewing and crafting. She spent many summer evenings with her husband Paul attending outdoor concerts at Kate Park in Wolfeboro and loved trips with the girls to the Ogunquit Playhouse for theatre and lunch.



Survivors include her children Mary Ellen and husband Craig Pedersen of Hampden, ME, Kathleen and husband Paul Van Ness of Beverly, MA, Paul Joseph McNally of Sanbornville and Susan McNally-Davis of Sanbornville, four grandchildren Christopher and Elizabeth Pedersen, Paul McNally and Sarah Van Ness, one brother George T. West of Stoughton, MA, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.



She was predeceased by her loving husband Paul of 52 years, and a brother James F. West. Helen was adored by her children and grandchildren who were her world.



Calling hours are Wednesday from 5-8 pm at Peaslee Funeral Home, 2079 Wakefield Road in Sanbornville, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday October 13, 2011 at 11:00 am at St. Anthony's Church in Sanbornville, NH with Fr. Edmund A. Babicz, pastor, as celebrant. Interment will follow at Lovell Lake Cemetery in Sanbornville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Gafney Library Sanbornville or VNA Hospice of Southern Carroll County in Wolfeboro. To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com.