Ann M. Helfer

Ann M. Helfer, aged 80, of Peabody and formerly a longtime resident of Somerville and Arlington, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family on April 16, 2026, at Sunrise Assisted Living in Lynnfield.

Born on November 24, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, Ann was the beloved daughter of the late Albin and Mary (Donahue) Szczepkowski. Early in life, her family relocated to Massachusetts, where they settled in Charlestown and raised their family. Ann attended St. Mary’s school, Bunker Hill Community College and Leslie University.

Ann balanced the responsibilities of raising four children as a single mother while pursuing her education and establishing her career in nursing. She served as a registered nurse in the operating room and intensive care units at Somerville Hospital and Mount Auburn Hospital. Subsequently, Ann advanced into administrative and management positions before her retirement.

Family was at the heart of Ann’s life. She delighted in hosting family gatherings by the pool in Arlington, often organizing backyard barbecues for everyone to enjoy. She cherished moments shared on trips to the casino with her daughter, lively card nights with family, and vacations to St. Martin with her husband. Occasionally, the entire family gathered there to enjoy memorable vacations together. An active and committed member of her parish, she served as a Eucharistic minister and found joy in her church community. For a time, Ann also contributed to her husband’s Octoberfest-themed catering business.

Ann was the devoted wife of the late John F. Helfer and a loving mother to Robert Wilkins and his wife Leanne of Goffstown, NH; Stephen Wilkins and his fiancée Stacey Marr of Englewood, FL; Kimberly Haley and her husband John of Tewksbury; and Wayne Wilkins and his wife Gianna of Lynnfield. She was a cherished grandmother to Katherine Bloom and her husband Logan, Ryan Bishop and his fiancée Catelyn Danehy, Lauren Bishop-Leccese and her husband Nickolas Leccese, and Kaylee Marr. Her great-grandchildren, Brianna Bishop and Noah and Adelaide Leccese, were a source of great joy. Ann was predeceased by her siblings Michael, Patricia, and Robert.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Maria Goretti Church, 112 Chestnut Street, Lynnfield, on Wednesday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation for relatives and friends will take place at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Avenue, Wakefield, on Tuesday, April 21, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Interment at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann’s memory may be made to Ave Maria Parish, 17 Grove Street, Lynnfield, MA 01940.