Helen M. Bronzo

Helen M. Bronzo, 100, of Shrewsbury, passed away on Friday, January 22, 2021 at Notre Dame Rehabilitation Center.

One Hundred years ago, Helen Marie Bronzo was born on October 21, 1920 in Somerville, Massachusetts, daughter of the late Frank A. and Elizabeth A. (Boyle) Bronzo.  Helen was raised in Arlington and graduated as Valedictorian from Mount Saint Joseph Academy, now Mount Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, in Brighton, before beginning her studies at Trinity College in Washington D.C, now Trinity Washington University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1943.  Upon graduation from Trinity, Helen worked for Shawmut Bank in the Foreign Department, where she oversaw international accounts and currency exchange.  Helen later moved to Shrewsbury in the 1970’s as she worked for the family business as the President of Babyhood Industries.

During her time in Boston, Helen generously gave of her time and talents to many organizations, including Catholic Charities of Boston, where she served as Board President for over twenty-five years, the Guild of Infant Savior, and was a “Gray Lady” with the Red Cross at the Chelsea Naval Hospital.  Because of her work as a Gray Lady, she was featured in a Boston Globe article about volunteers in March of 1957.  Helen was active in the Democratic Party during the Kennedy Era and was a member of the Ace of Clubs, founded by Rose Kennedy.

Helen continued being active while living in Shrewsbury.  She was a member of Saint Anne’s Church, serving in many capacities, such as Parish Council, Eucharistic Minister, CCD instructor, Lector and was President of the parish Women’s Guild.  She served on the board for Catholic Charities in Worcester for twenty-four years, and was a member of the Red Hat Society and Mount Carmel Bocce League. She was a talented pianist and loved to entertain. 

Helen certainly lived the “Golden Rule” and will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her as a gracious, faith filled, and dedicated friend and family member.

Helen is survived by her brother, Robert Bronzo of Florida and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her sisters, Mary Bronzo Spaulding and her husband Bill, and Alice Bronzo O’Donoghue and her husband John.

There are no calling hours.

A Funeral Mass for Helen will be celebrated at 12 Noon, Friday, January 29, at Saint Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Road (Route 9 East), Shrewsbury.  Interment will follow at Newton Cemetery, Newton. 

The Mass can be viewed via “live stream” by visiting the funeral home website, www.mercadantefuneral.com ,  and selecting “live services”.  The stream will begin automatically.

Social distancing and the use of a face mask will be required at the church and cemetery.

Donations to Catholic Charities of Worcester, 10 Hammond Street, Worcester, MA 01610 or to Saint Anne’s Human Services, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.