Helen A. McCormack

Helen (Galick) McCormack, 97, of Manchester, died peacefully on June 20, 2017 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton, MA after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Helen was born to John and Mary Galick on February 12, 1920, in West Haven, VT, where she spent the early part of her life. She graduated from high school in Whitehall, NY, and from Rutland Business College in Rutland, VT with a degree in bookkeeping.

She married John McCormack, a World War II veteran, in 1946. The couple lived in Potsdam, NY, and Rutland, VT, before moving to Manchester, NH, in 1950. There, John set up a successful accounting practice in which Helen served as bookkeeper, administrative assistant, and office manager while raising their four children.

Her children remember her as a strong and spirited woman who encouraged excellence in pursuit of their goals. Helen treasured her family and her home was a lively hub for all holidays and celebrations.

Throughout her life, she developed a wide and multi-generational circle of friends. An avid card player, she hosted numerous bridge parties in her home over a span of more than 30 years.

She had a passion for travel and found joy in experiencing a wide variety of countries and cultures. She was an officer of and fundraiser for the Manchester Women's Club for many years and was also a longtime communicant of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Manchester.

Helen is survived by her children, Timothy McCormack and his wife, Marcia, of Concord, NH, Mary McCormack and her husband, Steven Rosenthal, of Scarsdale, NY, James McCormack and his wife, Natasha, of Lake Mary, FL, and Susan McCormack and her husband, Ken Marra, of Wellesley, MA; her six grandchildren, Michael McCormack, Ryan McCormack, Claudia Rosenthal, John McCormack, Dilen Marra and Ronly Marra; four great-grandchildren, Jack McCormack, Brayden McCormack, Keegan McCormack and Emma McCormack; her sister, Veronica Peck, of Schenectady, NY and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of over 65 years, her parents and five of her siblings.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at St. Catherine Church, corner of Webster and Hemlock Streets, Manchester. Committal prayers followed at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 474 Goffstown Road, Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's memory may be made to the breast cancer foundation: Susan G. Komen, Dept. 41831, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265