Helen (Hogan) Donlan

Helen Hogan Donlan, 89, of Fitchburg, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024 surrounded by her beloved family. Helen was born on July 24, 1935 to John and Ellen Hogan. She grew up in Roslindale and loved her years living by the water on Cape Cod and in New Bedford. Helen graduated from Southern Massachusetts University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.   

Helen dedicated her life to guiding and protecting children across the Commonwealth as a member of the Massachusetts Department of Social Services. Even after her retirement, Helen remained committed to helping and advocating for the most vulnerable members of the community; she was actively involved in a number of volunteer organizations and programs including Fitchburg Citizens on Patrol, the Fitchburg Animal Shelter, and the Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network. With her cherished pets by her side, Helen brought immense joy to the children of the Fitchburg Public Schools as a member of TheraPaws, which provides animal-assisted therapy. Helen possessed a great love for her Catholic faith and deep Irish Heritage, doing extensive in-person research while on a trip to Ireland. Helen was a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of the Hibernians and took great pride in her legacy of participating in the Worcester St. Patrick’s Day Parade for over 30 years.

Helen possessed an undeniable zest for life! She approached everything she did with passion and conviction. She was an avid skydiver who partook in this daring sport well into her eighties, logging nearly 30 jumps. Throughout the years, Helens’ friends quickly learned that forging a friendship with Helen meant being forever welcomed into her family with open arms and a big Helen hug. 

Helen was very devoted to her family, she was preceded by her loving husband of 53 years, Edmond P. Donlan. She is survived by eight of her children, Paul Donlan and his wife Janel of Hingham, Lynn Dubinsky and her husband Robert of Hopkinton, Kevin Donlan and his wife Kathy of New Bedford, Denise Donlan of Fitchburg, Dennis Donlan and his wife Beth of Leominster, Sean Donlan and his wife Kristin of Haddam, CT, Brendan Donlan of Fitchburg, and Erin Donlan Schubmehl and her husband Michael of Ashburnham. She was predeceased by her son Mark. Helen is survived by her sisters, Patricia Sullivan and Nancy Hogan, and she was preceded by her brother, John ‘Jackie’ Hogan. Helen took great pride in her fourteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a large extended family whom she loved dearly.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 12 at St. Bernard Parish at St. Camillus de Lellis Church, 333 Mechanic St., Fitchburg at 11:30 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an animal rescue or Veteran’s support organization of your choice.

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