Helen E. (Carney) Montagna

STERLING – Helen E. (Carney) Montagna, 87, of Sherwood Drive, passed away in Clinton Hospital on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 after a short illness. Her husband of 55 years, Alfred P. Montagna, died in 2007. She was born in Westfield, daughter of Patrick W. and Mary E. (Graham) Carney, and has lived in Sterling for the last 45 years.

Mrs. Montagna was a graduate of Westfield High School and in the 1940's, was a telephone operator for New England Telephone. She was a member of St. Richard of Chichester Church and taught in their Confraternity of Christian Doctrine program. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family.

She is survived by three sons, Paul A. Montagna, his wife Andra and John P. Montagna, all of Sterling and Mark W. Montagna of Leominster; three grandchildren, Michael, Kaitlyn and Elizabeth; and nephews and nieces. Her sister, Kathryn Ferriter of Aiken, SC predeceased her.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 7th, in the Miles-Sterling Funeral Home and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road (Rte. 12), Sterling. Her funeral will be held on Friday, April 8th, from the funeral home with a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge Street, Sterling. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Clinton Road (Rte. 62), Sterling. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Town of Sterling Fire Dept. Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 515, Sterling, MA 01564.

To share a memory or express a condolence visit, www.milesfuneralhome.com