Obituary of Helen M. Percival

Helen M. (Reardon) Percival died peacefully August 17, 2011 at Mercy Hospital in Portland Maine. She left this earth quietly and in the presence of her family. Helen was born in Forestville Connecticut in 1920, and grew up in New Britain, where she attended St Mary's School and graduated from New Britain High School. After high school she met and married her husband, Howard Percival, and raised their family of four children. Helen believed there was always room for one more; along with her husband and four children she cared for her nephew and her father-in-law. The generosity of her spirit was a trade mark of her life. She was always ready to help others, and gave selflessly when she did. Her home was a busy one filled with family, friends, hard work, lots of fun and most importantly, love. Helen worked for the Sussman family in several of their grocery stores in New Britain and Plainville for over 25 years. After her retirement, she worked for Magson Uniforms in Berlin CT and finally her most favorite job was at Saint Dominic's School in Southington. After she retired for the third time from her work life, she continued on at Saint Dominic's School as a volunteer. If there was something that needed to be done, she was willing to do it. Helen was recognized for her volunteer work and received the HOPES Award, an award presented to her for outstanding and dedicated volunteer service in support of a local parochial school. Helen moved to Portland Maine four years ago to be closer to her daughters and for the last three years lived at 75 State Street, a long established assisted living provider in Portland. She had also attended the Barron Center's Adult Day Program. Helen was a woman who made friends wherever she landed, and always made the best of any situation. At age 88 she was delighted to think that she could look after some of her elderly neighbors at 75 State Street. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Howard E. Percival and her son, Russell G. Percival, two brothers, Thomas Reardon and John Reardon and a sister, Margaret McKeon. She is survived by her son Dick and his wife Kathleen of Kensington Connecticut, her two daughters, Patricia Laz and her husband John of Harpswell, ME and Karen Percival of Portland, ME; eight grandchildren: Cheryl Laz of Raymond Maine, Rebecca Thompson of Southington, CT, John Percival of Kensington CT, Stephen Percival, James Percival both of Southington CT, Scott Percival of Avon CT, Emily Percival-Snyder of El Cerrito CA and Oliver Percival of Portland ME, and 15 great grandchildren; she is also survived by her brother Francis Reardon, and sisters Katherine Reardon and Elizabeth Eddy of New Britain CT, sister Gladys Pretto of Houston,Texas, and many nieces and nephews. Helen's family would like to thank the staff at 75 State Street for the kindness and care provided to her, the staff at the Barron Center for the open arms extended to her, and to Dr. David Polisner and staff at Mercy Hospital for not only caring for her physically but also for their compassion and recognition of her spirit. There will be a Mass and Celebration of Helen's life on Saturday, August 27, 2011, at 10 am at Saint Dominic's Catholic Church in Southington. Burial will be private. It was Helen's request that memorial donations be made to Saint Dominic's School, 1050 Flanders Rd, Southington, CT 06489. The Farrell Funeral Home in New Britain, Connecticut is in charge of arrangements.