Helen Boord Connors

Helen Boord Connors, 93 of East Washington, died peacefully in her home on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. She had been ill since suffering a debilitating stroke in December of 2004. Mrs. Connors was born in Washington on January 23, 1921, the daughter of Harry O. Boord Sr. Ph.D, and Mary E. Bond Boord, both deceased. Mrs. Connors was a 1938 graduate of Washington High School and 1942 graduate of Wheaton College in Norton, MA. After graduating from college, she worked six years in Pittsburgh for IBM as a Computer Account setup specialist where she installed and customized accounting systems for small businesses. On June 19, 1948, she married John R. Connors, whose family lived across the street from hers when they were growing up. They lived in Washington for some years before John’s job with Washington Steel Corp., took them to Glen Rock N.J., where they lived for 30 years and raised two sons and a daughter. After marrying and having a family, she returned to school and obtained a masters degree in Library Science that led to a job for 17 years as librarian at Roberge School, River Vale, N.J. After retirement, Mrs. Connors, her husband and son Mark returned to Washington to live in the house her parents built in East Washington. She and her husband delivered Meals on Wheels for seven years out of Thomas Campbell Kitchens. She was active in the American Association of University Women and a volunteer for Avis Arbor. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Washington, where she was a member of the American Baptist Women, served on the Board of Missions, was Church Librarian and taught woman’s bible study class. She was also on the Board of Deacons, where she had served as chairperson. Mrs. Connor’s ability to stay in her home after her stroke would not have been possible without the kind and caring help of aides from Concerned Care, Inc. Mrs. Connors is survived by two sons, J. Mark Connors of Washington and William B. Connors of Corvallis, OR; a granddaughter, Erin Connors Hart of Boston, MA; nieces, cousins and loyal friends. Deceased are her husband, John R. Connors; a daughter, Kathleen Hart; a brother, Harry O. Boord, Jr. Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Service in the First Baptist Church, 101 S. College St., Washington on Saturday, May 31st at 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. There will be a brief graveside service, in the Washington Cemetery, following the reception. Arrangements are being handled by William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave, Washington. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the First Baptist Church “Celebration of Life” Capital Fund, 101 S. College St, Washington, PA 15301 or Citizens Library, 55 S. College St. Washington, PA 15301.