Obituary of Helen Wood

Helen M. wood, retired co-owner of Debonair Beauty Academy, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2017. She was 98 years old. Helen was born in East Boston, the daughter of Italian immigrants, Biagio and Maria Sacco. She grew up in East Boston and was a graduate of East Boston High School. She then earned a degree from Wilfred Beauty School. She worked for many years as a hairstylist. She had a keen sense for style and always wanted to share that with others. So she started teaching hairstyling and cosmetology. She eventually became the co-owner of Debonair Beauty Academy in West Roxbury, where she was an administrator and teacher. She loved sharing her knowledge and skills with future stylists. She had shaped the careers of many young and excited stylist giving them the skills to excel in their careers. Helen had a vibrant and adventurist personality. During WW II she volunteered as a hostess for the USO. She loved to travel. She and her late husband, Francis, traveled extensively and after his passing Helen traveled with her nieces and friends. She had seen most of the world and some of her highlights were a 30 day cross country trip across the United States and a 90 day round the world cruise with her oldest sister. Helen had a strong Catholic faith and strong adoration to the Blessed mother. She was a parishioner at St. Joseph’s Church in Wakefield for over 30 years. She attended daily mass and prayed the rosary three times a day. She was extremely generous and had donated the St. Joseph statue outside the church and also donated a the alter in the Chapel of St. Anthony’s Church in Revere. Despite not having children, Helen was always surrounded by family. She was the special and beloved aunt of 5 generations of family. She had a special place in her heart for each one of her family and they all have wonderful memories shared with her as children and adults. How many aunts would you spend a month in a car with and love every moment. She was glamourous , fun and entertaining. She loved to dance, especially square dancing. She was a longtime member of the Chatter Box Italian Women’s Club. Helen lived a full and vibrant life filled with family friends, adventure, and love. She was the last of her generation and will always be remembered. Helen was the beloved wife of the late Francis T. Wood. She was the beloved daughter of the late Biagio & Maria Sacco. She was predeceased her siblings; Augustine Sacco, Charles Sacco, Annette DiRienzo, Josephine Colosi, and Rose Ippolito. Helen was the beloved aunt of Nancy Pellegrino of Glen Allen, VA, Marie Ardito of Burlington, Louise Larkin of Danville, CA, Ralph Ippolito of Quincy, John Ippolito of North Easton, Charles Ippolito of Norwood, and late Frank Colosi. She was the aunt of 5 generations. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Wednesday April 5 at 8:45 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Tuesday from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Interment in Willow Cemetery, Lynnfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Helen’s name may be made to a charity of one’s own choice. For directions obituary & online guestbook see www.stjosephwakefield.com or www.sullivanfuneralhome.net