Helen S Marsh

Helen Sara Marsh of Arlington formerly of Winchester and Belmont passed away peacefully on March 7, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was the beloved daughter of the late William and Dorothy “Sadie” Marsh. Devoted mother of Stephanie and her husband Patrick McAuliffe of Winchester, MA, and Brad and his wife Joanna Cutting of Winchester, MA, and John and his wife Kerrie Cutting of Shrewsbury, MA and Heather Bruno of Arlington, MA.  Cherished grandmother also known as “Gigi” of eight grandchildren: Madison and Harry McAuliffe, Tedy and Will Cutting, Olivia and Addison Cutting, Alexia and Gabriella Bruno and four loving grand dogs. Sister of the late Dorothy Freeman, Lois Castagno, William “Red” Marsh and Henry Marsh. Also survived by many loving and devoted nieces and nephews.

Helen was born on August 25, 1946.  She was raised in Belmont and was the youngest of five siblings. Her role model was her sister, Dorothy who taught her generosity, sharing, dependability, friendship, loyalty and, above all else, love of family which became the fabric of her life.

Helen graduated from Belmont High School in 1964. She was a smart, funny and involved member of her class.   She enjoyed participating in many clubs and activities.  She loved being part of the BHS Cheerleading Squad and was proud to be named a Captain her senior year. 

After graduating from Belmont High School, she attended the New England Baptist School of Nursing.  She graduated in 1967 as a Registered Nurse (RN).  She worked at the New England Baptist until she married Edward B. Cutting III, a Winchester native and West Point Military Academy graduate.  They moved to Germany and were stationed there for three and one half years.  They returned home to Belmont, MA where they raised their family: Stephanie, Brad, John and Heather.  Summers were spent on Lake Winnipesaukee and were filled with boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and BBQs with family and friends. 

Helen gradually re-entered the nursing profession where she was a substitute RN in the Belmont Public Schools and a Visiting Nurse for Belmont Watertown VNA.  In 1988, she began working fulltime as the charge nurse at Cooperative Elder Services (CESI), an adult day health center in Arlington.  While she cared for elders with many medical conditions, her specialty was Alzheimer’s disease and dementia related disorders.  While her charge nurse role at CESI was multifaceted, she often said that the most rewarding part of her job was the day to day, one on one time she spent with each patient making a human connection.  After 30 years at CESI and having worked the last year while undergoing chemotherapy treatment at Dana-Farber for colon cancer, she decided it was time to retire.  She retired from nursing on September 30, 2018.  

Helen truly loved being a nurse.  But she loved her family most of all, especially her eight grandchildren.  She treasured spending time with family and going on family vacations regardless of the destination.  She was the happiest when all sixteen were together.  She was a devoted and supportive Mother and Gigi who was always on the sidelines or in the stands, inside hockey rinks, at music concerts, and at graduations.  Her presence was always felt, and she was often heard saying “Who loves you baby?” or “You have the Power” to one of her grandchildren.

The family is planning a private Celebration of Life gathering.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen Marsh’s memory to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2100&mfc_pref=T&2100.donation=form1&utm_source=dfh&utm_medium=button&utm_campaign=AGDFH031519&s_src=AGDFH031519&s_subsrc=AGDFH031519

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