Obituary: Helen F. Murphy Fay, 95, of Madison

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Helen F. Murphy Fay of Madison passed away peacefully on Sunday March 14, 2021, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born in Brighton, MA on September 19, 1925 to the late Frank and Helen Reardon Murphy and attended school in Braintree Mass. She attended Simmons College in Boston prior to marrying Patrick (Joe) Fay in June of 1944, just before he was deployed to Europe during World War II. She has been his beloved wife for 77 years, and together they raised a family of six, enjoying a wonderful life together. Helen devoted her life to her children, and she brought joy to their lives each and every day. She spent years attending hundreds of sporting events and school functions, always offering her support and encouragement. When her grandchildren arrived, she engaged in their activities and interests as well.

Her kindness extended well beyond her family, helping those in need and being a “second mother” to many. When her children had grown, she pursued a nursing career, graduating at the top of her class. She then worked for over twelve years for a physician’s practice in Stamford. After retiring to Madison, Helen and Joe traveled the world together for almost three decades, pursuing a new adventure each year. At home Helen enjoyed friends and hobbies including quilting and needlepoint, crafting many beautiful creations over the years.

The world has lost a shining light of kindness, warmth, and joy and she will be missed beyond measure, but will remain forever in our hearts.In addition to her husband, Helen is survived by her children, Kathleen and husband Jonathan Black of Fairfield, Robert Fay and wife Maureen of Norwalk, William Fay and wife Martha of North Carolina, Paul Fay and wife Janine of Clinton and son-in-law Blair Fishburn of Maryland, 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her beloved daughter Eileen Fishburn and son, Thomas, as well as her siblings William Murphy and Marilyn Pedretti.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Artis Senior Living of Branford, Lifetime Care at Home, and VNA Community Healthcare & Hospice for their assistance in caring for Helen over the past several years.In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity aimed at helping children in need, in Helen’s honor.

Viewing Saturday March 27th from 9-10:15am at W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. Departure at 10:30 for a Mass of Christian Burial at St. George Church, Guilford, at 11:00. Burial will follow in Alder Brook Cemetery, Guilford. For directions and online memorial see www.wsclancy.com.Masking and social distancing will be required at both the funeral home and church. Due to covid restrictions the family plans to have a reception in celebration of Helen’s life when conditions permit.