Salem

Helen E. (Flynn) Durkin, age 95, wife of the late John P. Durkin of Salem, died Saturday morning at home.

One of seven children, she was born and raised in Peabody, the daughter of the late Timothy and Elizabeth (Nagle) Flynn. A parishioner of St. John's Church as a child, Mrs. Durkin received her education at St. John's School and High School in Peabody.

Following her graduation, she married her late husband and began a family. She enjoyed being a mother and was very involved in her family's activities. She attended every sporting event in which her children, and later her grandchildren, participated. Helen became affectionately known as "Gram Durkin" to many of her grandchildren's baseball, basketball, track and soccer teams. She was also a dedicated Celtics and Red Sox fan.

A very social lady with a strong spirit, Helen enjoyed life, spending time with family and friends, and being near the ocean. She was also a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church throughout her adult life.

Mrs. Durkin is survived by three children: William Durkin of Danvers, James Durkin of Salem and Catherine Durkin Naughton of Reading, and six grandchildren.

A son, John F. "Jack" Durkin, predeceased her.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday at 9:15 A.M. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., (cor of North St.) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1 Margin St, Peabody, on the Salem Peabody Line. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 P.M. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the North Shore Cancer Center, 17 Centennial Dr., Peabody, MA 01960. For online guest book or additional information please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978 744 0497.