TOPSFIELD - Mrs. Helen Winifred (Connell) Gaffey 84, of Topsfield, beloved wife of the late Patrick Hugh Gaffey, died Friday, May 5th, 2017 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, surrounded by her family. Born in Cambridge, she was the daughter of the late William and Ellen (Phelan) Connell. She was raised and educated in Cambridge and was a graduate of Cambridge Ridge and Latin High School. Helen devoted her life to her family. She took immense pride in providing a warm and loving home for her husband of 54 years and their four children and seven grandchildren. She was especially proud of all of them and their accomplishments. Helen was an avid volunteer within her community. She was a long-time member and former co-president of the New Meadows Garden Club of Topsfield. An active woman throughout her life. She was a fun-loving member of the "Aquatieers" a water aerobics group. She shared endless laughter and contagious energy with her many friends. Family always came first in Helen's life. She enjoyed traveling to her favorite Caribbean Islands and summers in Maine. She also loved planning dinners and holidays with her beloved family. Everyone loved Mimi's pies! She will be deeply missed.

Helen is survived by; Colleen Corbett and her husband William of West Boylston and Laure Pratt and her husband Scott of Bow, N.H., Brian Gaffey and his wife Kimberly of Boxford and Kevin Gaffey of Topsfield, her seven grandchildren, Sean Corbett, Patrick Corbett and his wife Michelle, Colin, Evan and Caitlin Pratt and Kate and Kyle Gaffey and her Maine Coon Cat Tess O'Brien.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to her funeral Mass which will be held in St. Rose of Lima Church, Park St., Topsfield, Friday May 12th at 12 noon. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Topsfield is private. A celebration of life and collation will be held immediately following the funeral Mass in the hall of St. Rose Church to which all are invited. As requested visiting hours are omitted. Assisting the family with the arrangements is the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St., (rte 62) Danvers. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Helen's memory to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, C/O Care Dimension, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com