Haverhill – Helen C. Whitehead, 94, passed away December 2, 2020 at Penacook Nursing Care in Haverhill.
Born in New York City, New York she was the daughter of the late Charles and Weela E. (Baldwin) Whitehead. She was a graduate of Oceanside High School in Long Island, NY and obtained her degree from Columbia University. Helen lived with her family for 11 years in Puerto Rico before moving to New York. She was a pioneer in the field of education and was the Education Coordinator for the City of Boston. Helen created many programs for the developmentally disabled and was able through her tenacity to get many programs passed in legislation including the Learning Disabilities Law, Chapter 766. Helen was a founding member of Emmaus Shelter along with Rev. Bentley of ABCD of Boston. She was honored by Mayor Kevin White and the City of Boston for all her work in the education department and given a standing ovation from the Legislature Helen was also a part of Community Action and the Anti-Poverty Agency for the City of Boston. She will be remembered for her hard work and caring for the less fortunate.
Helen is survived by her children, Eva Valentine of Haverhill; Carla Valentine of Brookline; Eric Alejandro and his wife Karen of San Diego, CA; Omar Alejandro and his wife Michelle of West Palm Beach, FL; grandchildren, Jose Valentin Noriega, Helena Blanchard and Jennifer Alejandro; great grandchild, Alana L. Noriega-Novack. She was predeceased by her siblings; Marion, Sally, Dorothy and Eileen; step brother, George Baldwin; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be private. Arrangements are by the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Memorial donations may be made in her name to EMMAUS Inc. P.O. Box 568, Haverhill, MA 01831.Please visit Comeau Funeral on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com
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