This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RonColby41 Surnames: Colby, Casale, Lavigne Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.colby/1244/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Helen M. Casale, 89 NORTH ANDOVER - Helen Mary (Colby) Casale, 89, of North Andover, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007 at Massachusetts General Hospital after a short illness. She was born on May 29, 1918 in Lawrence to Wilbur and Cora (Lavigne) Colby. Helen was retired from Western Electric Co. Helen will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother and beloved friend. She was a quiet, gentle woman, loved by all who knew her. As a mother and a wife she was totally unselfish, always putting her family before herself. She loved all of her grandchildren and was especially proud of her grandson Father Gregory Nicholas Christakos. Characteristic of her personality was her kindness to the elderly, a wonderful trait she possessed throughout her life even in her elderly years. She loved all animals, especially her dog Katy and the Boston Red Sox. One of her greatest joys was spending time in Ogunquit, Maine with her daughters. Helen was quite simply the best wife and mother in the world (and a great cook). She will be terribly missed by all who loved her and had the pleasure of knowing her. Mom - we all love you so much. Helen is survived by her beloved husband, Peter Paul Casale of North Andover with whom she recently celebrated 72 years of marriage. She also leaves her sons, Peter P. Casale Jr. and his wife Winnie of Lawrence, Frank C. Casale and his wife Barbara of Andover, Richard J. Casale of North Andover; daughters, Patricia A.Casale of North Andover, Carol H. Christakos and her husband Christos of Methuen, and her Connecticut daughter, Joan Ryan. She is also survived by her brother, Ernest Colby of Londonderry, N.H.; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and her beloved little dog Katy. ARRANGEMENTS: At her request, there will be no calling hours. A memorial Mass was held at St. Michael's Church on Main Street in North Andover at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007. Donations in memory of Helen may be sent to the MSPCA, Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dewhirst Conte Funeral Home, 17 Third St., North Andover. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.