Millbrook – Helena B. Darragh , 97, a resident of Millbrook, NY passed away on Thursday October 5, 2017 at
The Pines at Poughkeepsie. She was born on September 15, 1920 in Bridgeport, Conn. To Frank Donnelly and Helen Barnes Donnelly.
Helen, affectionately known to her family and friends as “Helena B”, was a graduate of Good Counsel College, White Plains, NY in 1942. Following graduation she was employed by Lenox Hill Hospital research laboratory.
On April 27, 1946 she married Francis H. Darragh, M.D. in Bridgeport, Conn. They were married for 66 years until his death October 4, 2012.
She was also employed as a kindergarten teacher at Sacred Heart School, Highland Falls, NY.
After moving to Poughkeepsie in 1962 she was employed as a third grade teacher at St. Mary’s School in Poughkeepsie.
She was a devout Roman Catholic and was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis at Mt. Alvernia Retreat Center, Wappingers Falls, NY.
She is survived by her children, daughter Joan Darragh and longtime family friend Winifred Tuttle of Poughkeepsie, NY, son, John and wife Denise of Wayne, NJ, son Paul and wife Megan of Southbury, CT, and daughter Margaret Castelli and husband Jack of Poughkeepsie NY, 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and close friend Adele Rignanese. She was predeceased by her husband, parents and nephew Richard.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Fountains of Millbrook for their many kindnesses over the past few years, and also the staff of The Pines for all their caring during her stay there.
Calling hours will be Monday October 9, 2017 from 4 – 7 pm at 218 Mill Street Poughkeepsie NY 12601. Wheelchair entrance is located in the rear of the funeral home on Vassar St.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 am, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church Poughkeepsie NY on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. Interment will follow at the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mount Alvernia Retreat Center, 158 Delavergne Ave., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 or St. Mary’s Church, 231 Church Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.
