Helen I. Downey Obituary
She was born on January 28, 1939, daughter of the late Alfred and Martha (Wagner) Bolcome.
Helen was a graduate of St. Ann's High School, class of 1956. In 1957, Helen married Joseph "Jesse" Parisi Jr. and they began their life as a family. Their three children were born in 1958, 1960 and 1962. On October 1, 1962, Helen tragically lost her husband Jesse to the sea. With great faith and strength, Helen persevered and raised her three young children. Helen was a loving and devoted mother. From the time her children went to school, she was heavily involved in St. Ann's School PTO and was also a Girl Scout leader.
Helen found her second chance at love when she met Leo Downey. They married on February 14, 1981, and enjoyed a loving partnership until his passing in 2002. Helen worked at Cape Ann Market, Gloucester Supply, and retired from Gloucester Bank and Trust.
As was Helen's way, she continued her life of service. She was a past President and member of the Holy Family Women's Guild as well as a past President and member of St. Vincent de Paul Cape Ann. Helen was instrumental in running the Food Pantry and Clothes Shop for St. Vincent de Paul. She was always looking for ways to help those less fortunate. She was recognized for all that work in 2009, when she received The Cheverus Award from Cardinal O'Malley. The medal recipients are chosen for their dedication and service to the Church and their local communities.
She was a selfless and giving person who dedicated her life to doing good, helping when able and being kind to everyone. There was always a cup of coffee waiting for whoever needed it. Helen was an inspiration to us all. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Helen is survived by her three children, Annette McDonald and her husband William, Joseph Parisi III and his wife Diane, and Theresa Parisi-Maddix; five grandchildren, Heather Hebert and her husband Jonathan, Josph Parisi IV and his wife Kala, Lauren McDonald and her partner Sandy Palazzolo, Jessica Gallupe and her husband Daniel, and William Maddix; four great-grandchildren, Adeline and Lillian Hebert, Gwen and Chloe Palazzolo; sisters, Martha Cognato and Ruth Griffin; brother, Alfred Bolcome Jr; brothers-in-law, Sebastian (Buzzy) Parisi and John Parisi; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours for Helen will be held at St. Ann's Church on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 9:30-11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Cape Ann, 74 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.
