Helen (O'Brien) Harper, 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday November 18th, 2023.

Helen was born in Charlestown, MA on April 14th, 1937 to the late Helen and William O'Brien. She moved to Dorchester at a young age and lived there until her marriage in 1957. She made many lifelong friends growing up in Dorchester and was a longtime parishioner at St Kevin's Church. She graduated from Monsignor Ryan Memorial High School. After a brief time in Norfolk, VA where Mel was stationed with the Navy, she settled in West Concord, MA to raise her family.

She is predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Melvin "Gary" Harper. She is survived by her four children Michael Harper, Denise Carr and her husband Timothy, Paul Harper and Richard Harper and his wife Deborah. She found great joy spending time with her grandchildren Nicholas and Kaitlin Carr, and Zachary Harper and his fiancee Caitlin Riley, Jessica Casale and her husband Derek, and Jacob Harper. And her great grandchildren Finnegan and Damon Casale.

Helen was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was a loving presence to her children. She advocated for her children throughout their early years to ensure each was taken care of. She and Mel were immersed in a community of families with disabled children. And she worked tirelessly to provide her disabled son with the skills to be an independent adult.

Helen was a lifelong animal lover with many dogs, cats and other pets receiving her love and caring throughout her life. She was also a lifelong learner who took college courses during her retirement to continue to grow her knowledge.

She was an avid traveler from an early age, starting with a road trip to Nova Scotia as a teenager with a group of friends.  That continued with a move to Norfolk, VA where Mel was stationed. She went on to travel to many parts of the world including Australia, Alaska, Hawaii and a transit through the Panama Canal with her husband Mel and many of her childhood friends. Helen had a knack for staying in touch with people throughout her life. She was matched with a penpal in England, Wendy, when she was 12 years old and stayed connected with calls, letters and visits for more than 70 years.

Helen had a 20+ year career at Hanscom Air Force Base as a Configuration and Data Management Specialist where she applied her incredible organization and planning skills and attention to detail to ensure government specifications were followed. She was a strong advocate for other women in her workplace, coaching and mentoring them to succeed.

Relatives and friends will gather for a period of visitation at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center on Thursday, December 7th from 9 to 10:15 am. Helen's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am in St. Bernard's Church at Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square, Concord Center. Please click here to access the church live stream .  Burial will follow at St. Bernard's Cemetery, Concord.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Minute Man ARC or The Sturge-Weber Foundation .

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.