Helen P. (Young) Claunch – 96, of North Reading, formerly of Nashville, Tennessee and Chicago, Illinois,  passed away peacefully on Friday, June 17, in Wakefield, MA, surrounded by loved ones.  She was the wife of the late Clarence M. Claunch.

Helen was a strong woman whose inspirational story cannot totally be told in this brief memorial.  Throughout her life, she survived many hardships, but was never one to feel sorry for herself. Born in Huntsville, AL and married at 14, she had three children:  James R. Perkins of North Reading, Grady S. Perkins of Huntsville and Shirley M. Garnand (deceased) of Nashville.

Though she only completed school through the eighth grade, she always made sure her children had what they needed.  Helen was many things to many people.  She was a loving mother and a “cool” grandma to her 4 local grandchildren, who were blessed to be a big part of her life and to be by her side as she entered into eternal life. One of her many loves was her Chihuahua, “Rusty”, who she would walk every day.  She loved to sneak food to him from the table while denying it every time.  She had a Facebook following where friends of her grandkids would look forward to postings of her singing songs or telling jokes.  She is survived by her 2 children, 9 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

Services will be held at a later date. Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, is in charge of arrangements.  www.CROSWELLFUERALHOME.com