Helen L. (McCorriston) Massott

Helen L. Massott (nee McCorriston) passed away peacefully on November 12, 2020 at the age of 89. Beloved wife of the late Joseph C. Massott. Devoted mother of Helen Marie Downs (James), Joyce Massott-Burnett (William), Joseph C. Massott (Geri) and Mary Jane Massott-Doman (Samuel). Loving Nanie to Jennifer, Susan, Jaime, William, Nicholas, Jesse, Joseph and Allison and great grandmother to Liam, Nolan and Erin.  

Helen was born in Philadelphia, PA, fifth of seven children to the late Helen Goff McCorriston and Joseph Edward McCorriston and lived most of her life in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. Helen worked as a waitress at a local café starting at the age of 12 and ended at the famous Horn and Hardart in Center City. She married the love of her life, Joe in 1959. After her children were born she started teaching painting techniques at Finnaren & Haley Paints, where she worked for over 30 years becoming the first female manager, and retiring in 2000. Helen graduated from Murrell Dobbins High School in 1949 were she learned the art of sewing. Learned as a trade, she only sewed for the love of it. Her creations included costumes, communion dresses, prom dresses, holiday dresses, wedding dresses, and even the emergency need of sewing buttons and badges for her family and friends. Helen was also known as the block captain of York Street, the maker of the best ice tea, one of the best dancers on the floor and hostess of the parties at the senior center. Helen believed that family was the most important thing in life. She was funny and vibrant, and her grandchildren are left with plenty of funny Nanie quotes. She lived a full life and touched the lives of many and will be lovingly missed. 

 “These things, I warmly wish for you - Someone to love, some work to do, a bit of o’sun, a bit o’cheer. And a guardian Angel always near” an Irish saying.

 Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing and funeral Friday November 20, 2020 beginning at 9am in St. Anne Church (lower) 2328 East Lehigh Avenue Philadelphia PA 19125. Funeral Mass 10:30am. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to St. Jude Research Hospital for children. 

We ask that all those attending services wear a mask, maintain social distancing and adhere to safety measures put  in place by the church to keep everyone safe during the pandemic.

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