Helen “Hey Hel” (McGurl) Glynn, 84, of Lakeland, FL, was stricken ill while on family vacation, passing away Monday, October 10, 2016 with her loving family by her side. Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late George and Catherine (Callahan) McGurl and lived in Worcester and Rutland before moving to Lakeland, FL in 1988.

Helen graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester and later went on to become a LPN nurse caring for patients at St. Vincent Hospital and the VNA in Worcester before working at the Watson Clinic in Lakeland, retiring only 3 years ago. She enjoyed her years caring for her patients and was honored for going above and beyond for her patients.

Helen’s love of staying involved and helping out was well known by her support and volunteer work for the 82nd Airborne-Orlando, Chapter L CO 508 ARCT, American Legion Post #4, Elks Club and Rutland Sportsman Club, from catering lobster bakes to cooking at the Friday night fish fry, helping to coordinate the Airborne conventions as well as enjoying Bingo during weeks 38 and 39 at the Ocean East Resort in Ormond Beach where the family has vacationed together for over 30 years and she was previously the Board President. She was also President of the American Legion Woman’s Auxiliary and a member of the Amvets Post 32 of Lakeland.

Most of all, Helen enjoyed time with her family and friends whether at a Family weekend on the Cape, family vacation in Ormond Beach or her travels with Ken and her airborne family. She would “adopt” kids along the way that she welcomed in as her own and made feel loved and special. She will be missed by all the people whose lives she has touched and especially her “adopted kids”, Wendy (Heebner) Rosazza and Chris Little.

She leaves her adoring, devoted husband and soulmate, Kenneth L. Glynn Jr. who cherished their sixty-four years of marriage together along with her faithful furry companion, T. Brady. She was the wonderful mother of 7 “favorite” children: her sons, Kenneth S. Glynn & Cheryl Savage, William R. Glynn and Patty Melick, Francis G. Glynn and his wife, Lee all of Rutland along with her daughters, Kathleen A. Glynn-Whitney and her wife, Gail of Rutland, Eileen McCarthy and her husband, Kevin McCarthy of Eastham, Colleen Ruel and her husband, Roland Ruel of Oakham, Maureen Glynn-Wallace and her wife, Joni of Douglas. Helen was adored as “Queen Nana” by 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren: Jeremy & Jenna Glynn, Heidi & Micah Bolduc, Billy & Kelly Glynn, Crystal Glynn, Jenn Duffy & Stefan Midurski, Brian & Beth Duffy, Erin Glynn, Suzie & Chris Bailey, Justin Bassett & Kristen Hervey, Heather Bassett & Chris Yetmen, Sarah McCarthy, Meagan McCarthy, Kelli McCarthy & Tom Martinelli, Jonathan Glynn, Chrissy & Glenn Bedford, Christie and Cassie Newell along with her great-grandchildren Gavin, Jeremy, Joshua, Kate, Anna, Evan, Lilah, Braydon, Alyvia, Alissa, Nathan, Chelsea and Tabitha. Helen leaves behind 2 brothers, William McGurl of Paxton and Kevin McGurl of Worcester. Besides her parents, Helen is predeceased by 2 brothers, George “Gigi” McGurl and Terrence McGurl both of Worcester.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 2 to 5 pm on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A private burial service will be held at the Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Helen’s name to the 82nd Airborne Orlando Chapter-Visit, 5835 Grafton Drive, Lakeland, FL 38809.