South Hamilton....

Helen L. (Hogan) Connors, age 99, wife of the late Robert J. "Red" Connors of South Hamilton formerly of Salem died Wednesday evening in the Hunt Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Danvers.

Born and raised in Salem, the daughter of the late William and Ann (Minnihan) Hogan, she was educated in Salem Schools. Following her graduation from Salem High School, Mrs. Connors was employed by the former Salem Bleachery for many years until her retirement. When her sister Celia Jaworski died at a young age, Mrs. Connors became a "second mother" to her niece, Ann (Jaworski) Thibeault, who was then only 15 years old. She and her husband spent much time with Ann. Among many activities and outings, they would take her and her friends on trips to Lake Winnipesauke and Lake George. A dedicated aunt, Helen was one of the "kids." She enjoyed accompanying her niece and her friends to the Salem Willows and the beach, where Mrs. Connors was often the first one into the ice-cold water. She was also an enthusiastic card player and enjoyed lively whist and poker games with friends and family. A dog lover, Mrs. Connors doted on her Great Danes and Ann and her family's Irish Setters.

She and her husband celebrated over 40 years of marriage. They enjoyed antiquing, going to flea markets and operating antique stands in New Hampshire and Maine. In their retirement they traveled extensively and spent a great deal of time in Florida, including Walt Disney World, which they visited several times with Ann, her late husband John Thibeault, and their grand-niece, Jennifer. After her husband's passing, Mrs. Connors resided in South Hamilton with her niece Ann and her family for nearly 20 years.

She is survived by a brother-in-law, Paul Derrivan Sr. of Danvers; three nieces, Ann (Jaworski) Thibeault of South Hamilton, Margaret "Peggy" (Derrivan) Purington and her husband Rich of Danvers, and Carol (Derrivan) Morrissey of Danvers; a nephew, Paul Derrivan Jr. of Peabody; a grand-niece, Jennifer (Thibeault) Connor of Maynard and her husband Ed; and a grand-nephew, Christopher Purington of Danvers.

She was predeceased by three sisters, Nora Wiley, Celia Jaworski and Mary Hogan, and a brother, William Hogan.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday at 10:15 A.M. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St, (cor of North St) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 11: 00 A.M in St James Church, 161 Federal St, Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Monday evening from 7 to 9 P.M. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. For on line guest book or additional information please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978 744 0497.