Helen E. (Costello) Parow – 102, of North Andover, formerly of North Reading and Medford, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024. She was the loving wife of the late Walter J. Parow.
Born in Medford, MA on April 8, 1922, she was the daughter of the late John and Agnes (Kerrigan) Costello. Helen was predeceased by her 7 siblings and beloved son-in-law, John D. (Jack) McFarland.
Helen was raised in Medford and was a graduate of Medford High School, Class of 1940. She later graduated from Katherine Gibbs School of Business in Boston.
Helen moved to North Reading in 1953. She worked as an administrative assistant at the J. Turner Hood School in North Reading for 10 years and as the office manager for Dr. Frank Odlum, DDS for 15 years.
Helen was an active member and volunteer for St. Theresa’s Church in North Reading for many years; she was a member and Past President of the Ladies Sodality. She later became a member and volunteer of St. Michael’s Church in North Andover, where she was an organizer and leader for donations for the Accounting Group. She was also a member and volunteer for the North Andover Senior Center where she enjoyed playing bingo.
Helen was a loving mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother. Family members include her loving son, John E. Parow and his wife Patricia A. of Chelmsford; her daughters: Susan P. McFarland of Nantucket and significant other, Raymond D. Trudell of Arlington, Denise P. Roser and her husband, Robert F. of Williamsburg, VA; 3 grandchildren: Kelly M. Stratman and her husband, Stephen, Michael D. Parow, and William W. Parow; 3 great-grandchildren: Ella M. Stratman, Emery J. Stratman, and Kayla J. Parow.
Her Funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading on Thursday, August 29 at 11:00 A.M.; the family will receive visitors prior to the Mass at 10:30 A.M. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Helen’s memory to: Compassus Hospice of North Andover, 790 Turnpike Street, Suite 202, North Andover, MA 01845. Arrangements by Croswell Funeral Home, North Reading.
Condolences to the entire Parow family.
Teri Meltzer Muskavitch
My sincere condolences to Helen’s family. Helen was my Godmother and I carry her name as my middle name. Though I had lost touch over the years I remember Helen as a wonderful Godmother to me as I was growing up. I am sad to hear of her passing. Geri (Pratt) Sheehan
So very sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. She was a good friend to my mom (Eleanor Cowhey) . My sincere condolences to her family.
Helene taught me how to call BINGO at the North Reading Senior Center back in 2002. I continued as a volunteer and later was hired as a full-time Clerk. Helene was a good instructor. Thanks to her I landed a good job at at the Edith A. O’Leary Senior Center.
Today I continue to call BINGO at the North Andover Senior Center where we have has 50 to 60 BINGO players every week. Little did we know in 2002 that that I would still be calling BINGO today, even after retirement. That was 22 years ago.
THANK YOU Helene for helping me with my career along with with a practical life-skill to go with it. God Bless You Helene. “Thanks a million”
Mark Meehl