Helen Frances Viner

RUTLAND – Helen F. (Yonker) Viner, 79, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter in Montrose, Colorado, on Monday, September 10, 2018. She was born in Worcester the daughter of John J. and Helen F. (Welch) Yonker and was raised on the family farm on Walnut Street in Rutland.
She leaves her daughter, Carol A. Viner and husband, James A. Maggio of Colorado; her son, Douglas L. Viner of Jacksonville, Florida; her sister, Kathleen Lindsay of Windsor, CT; and her nieces, nephews, their spouses and children, all who were very dear to her. She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Kenneth L. Viner, who passed away in 1997, and her son, Brian K. Viner in 1994.

Helen loved Rutland and its rich history. She devoted many happy hours volunteering for the Historical Society. Helen loved her home she built with her husband in 1960 and could often be seen by passersby mowing her lawn, picking up sticks, raking leaves, gardening and burning brush. She was a talented knitter, and was obsessed with football.

Helen married Kenneth, her high school sweetheart, on October 22, 1960 and they resided in Rutland all of their lives. She graduated from St. Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1960 as an R.N., Worcester State College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in nursing; in 1986 she earned her Nurse Practitioner’s certificate, and later graduated with her Masters in Nursing from UMass. She worked at Rutland Heights Hospital early in her career, as an occupational health nurse for the private sector for many years and later retired from Tewksbury State Hospital. Helen was a contributing author for the book, “A Comprehensive Review Manual for the Adult Nurse Practitioner”; which was named best book of 1989 by The American Journal of Primary Health Care.

Helen had been an active member of The First Congregational Church in Rutland since 1966 and served as a past Deacon and member of the Sunshine Circle. She was a longtime member of the Rutland Historical Society, past President, and became the Curator in 2004. She was a member of the Rutland Historical Commission, appointed since 2002 and past Chairperson. She was a member of the Franklin Wood Studio Restoration Committee, was appointed to the Ware River Water Shed Advisory Committee and most recently spearheaded the restoration of the Rutland Prison Camp Cemetery in 2018. Helen always worked the polls at elections and attended countless Town meetings. She will be missed by many.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 16th in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Funeral services for Mrs. Viner will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, September 17th in the First Congregational Church of Rutland at 264 Main Street. A committal service will follow at Rural Cemetery in Rutland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rutland Historical Society, 232 Main Street, Rutland, MA 01543. To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please visit our "Guest Book."