Obituary of Helen M. Yates

Helen Marie Yates

December 10, 1931 - March 6, 2023

A long-time Stamford resident, Helen Marie Yates, passed away Monday, March 6, 2023 at the age of 91. Born December 10th, 1931, in Stamford, the eldest of two, Helen was raised by her beloved mother Beatrice Yates (Gallagher) and father, Edward James Yates. 

Helen grew up on Sound View Avenue near Cummings Park and attended Stamford schools.  After graduating from Stamford High School, she worked a variety of secretarial jobs including Con Diesel and the United States Post Office. Upon retirement, Helen moved to Milford and finally Shelton.  

Helen loved reading, bowling, animals, and watching sports, particularly baseball; she was an avid Mets fan.  She was a frequent traveler--in the US and abroad--including several trips to Ireland.  Helen was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Mary's parish in Stamford for many years.  Whether it be her neighborhood, school, workplace or social group, Helen maintained deep, long-lasting friendships with people she met throughout her life.  

Helen was very close to her family, particularly her cousins from Stamford and Brooklyn, and was a treasured, special aunt in her brother Ed's family.

She was predeceased by her father, Edward J. Yates, her mother, Beatrice Yates, her brother, Edward W. Yates, and his wife Marion. She is survived by her nephew, Edward C. Yates and his wife, Patricia, of Manhattan Beach, CA; her niece Theresa Denham and her husband, Brian, of Monroe, CT; and niece Carolyn Loughran and her husband, Edward, of Walpole, MA.  Helen was also much loved by her great nephews and nieces Sean, Kathleen, and Meghan Yates, Danielle and Brian Denham, Jr., and Brendan and Bridget Loughran.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Stamford on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Connecticut Humane Society.

Services are under the care of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, located at 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT 06902. To leave online condolences, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com