Helen M. McCarthy, 81, of Concord, died Monday, September 13, 2010 at Walden House Healthcare in Concord. Born in Boston on March 16, 1929, she was the daughter of the late William L. and Margaret (Lehane) McCarthy. She attended Concord public schools and graduated from Concord High School in 1947. During the Korean Conflict, she was a Communications Specialist in the U. S. Air Force serving in Germany and numerous bases in the United States. She played softball and basketball for the U. S. Air Force World Championship Teams. For twenty years, she was a First Sergeant in the U. S. Air Force Reserves. Ms. McCarthy worked for Middlesex Insurance Company and McWalter Insurance Company, both in Concord for several years prior to her retirement. A longtime Concord resident, she coached youth basketball for the Concord Recreation Department and coached softball at Concord Academy. She served on the Concord Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee, and was selected Grand Marshall for Concords Patriots Day Parade. She enjoyed golfing and was a former secretary of the Maynard Country Club. She was a member of the American Legion, James J. Mansfield Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, David R. Woodin Post, and a member of the Emblem Club of the Concord Lodge of Elks. Survivors include her brother, John D. McCarthy and his wife Nancy of Cheshire, Connecticut and many nieces and nephews. She was also the sister of the late William L. McCarthy, Joseph McCarthy, Richard McCarthy and Margaret Peggy Vigneaux. Concords town flag will fly at half-staff on Saturday in recognition of Ms. McCarthys service to her country during the Korean Conflict. Memorials: Contributions in her memory may be made to American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. Cemetery: Burial will be in St. Bernards Cemetery, Concord where Fr. Fleming will read the committal prayers and officers of the U. S. Air Force will present military honors. Visitation: There are no visiting hours. Service: A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 18that 11 AM in Holy Family Parish, Monument Square, Concord Center.Celebrant of the Mass will be the Rev. Austin H. Fleming.