WATERBURY – Helen Sullivan Anderson, of Waterbury, passed away after a courageous battle with breast cancer on Aug. 3, 2021, at the age of 83.
Helen was born on Aug. 14, 1937, to the late Frank and Mary Sullivan of Waterbury. Helen attended Waterbury schools and worked for the State of Connecticut Judicial Department. After retirement, she worked part time for Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura as a receptionist.
Everyone in the mayor’s office knew her as “Aunt Helen,” who would always share her homemade baked goods. She truly was like an aunt to everyone she met.
Helen loved to knit and made afghan blankets for everyone she knew and loved, especially newborn babies. Helen also enjoyed her trips to the casinos, which were often.
But what she treasured most was spending time with her family and friends. She will always be remembered for her annual Christmas cookie bake.
Helen loved to be surrounded by people talking and laughing. Helen’s children and grandchildren loved to hear her stories about growing up in a home with 13 children, as well as reminisce about their own upbringing.
Helen was a quiet, humble and kind woman, who always gave of herself. If you needed anything, you could always count on her to help in any way she could. Helen opened her home to become a foster “mother” to children with special needs, who remained part of her family. Her actions spoke louder than words.
She will be greatly missed by her children, Johnna (Michael) Stokes, with whom she made her home, Erik (Cathy) Anderson, Diana Murray, and Rafael Flores; her beloved grandchildren, Erica Anderson (Laura) and Erik Anderson Jr. (Maria); grand fur babies Cooper, Gigi and Lily; her siblings Alice Guerrera, Barbara Cavanaugh, and James Sullivan, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Helen was predeceased by her children Michael Anderson, Kirsten Anderson and Brian Shackelford; her siblings, MaryLou, Frank, John, Robert, Richard, William, Joan, Kathleen and Brenda.
The funeral Mass will be Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 W. Main St. Burial will be in New St. Joseph Cemetery. Everyone attending is asked to meet directly at the church. The family ask all attending to wear facial masks and practice social distancing.
The Murphy Funeral Home, 115 Willow St., is assisting with the arrangements. Visit murphyfuneralhomect.com for information or to send an online condolence.
