News Summary
Helen McCarthy Boyd, a beloved educator and community pillar, passed away at the age of 90 in Providence. Known for her dedication to teaching and passion for literacy, her legacy continues through her family and former students. A Mass of Christian Burial will honor her contributions, reflecting the profound impact she had on countless lives in the community.
Providence – Helen (McCarthy) Boyd, a cherished educator and devoted member of her community, passed away at the age of 90 on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. Her legacy as a beloved second-grade teacher and vibrant community participant leaves a lasting impact on those who knew her.
Born in Providence to the late Jerome and Margaret (Barry) McCarthy, Helen was a dedicated individual who spent her life in service to others. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy-Bay View and later earned her degree from Rhode Island College. Since 1963, Helen resided in Lincoln, Rhode Island, where she became an integral part of the educational landscape.
Helen served as a second-grade teacher at Lonsdale Elementary School in Lincoln for many years before retiring. She was also an active member of the educational sorority Alpha Delta Kappa, demonstrating her commitment to education and support for fellow educators.
She is survived by three daughters: Nancy Cullion (Joseph) of Cumberland, Margaret “Meg” Bernardi (Paul) of Florida, and Jane King (Jason) of Wakefield, as well as her son, James Boyd (Joanna) of Wakefield. Helen was the proud grandmother of eleven grandchildren, including noted names such as Allison Reid (Kevin Perreault) and Dr. Kathleen Cullion (Trevor Cowan). Furthermore, her family tree includes eleven great-grandchildren.
Helen was predeceased by her daughter Patricia Boyd Reid and son Bernard “B.J.” Boyd Jr., as well as her siblings Margaret Mary Cummiskey and Jerome McCarthy. Her extensive family reflects the love and values she imparted during her lifetime, nurturing generations to come.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held to honor Helen’s memory on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Saint Jude Church, located at 301 Front Street in Lincoln. Following the service, burial will take place at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence.
Visiting hours are scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Bellows Funeral Chapel, situated at 160 River Road, Lincoln, providing an opportunity for friends and community members to pay their respects.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Family Literacy Center, located at 12 Parkway in Manville, RI 02838. Contributions in Helen’s name are a fitting tribute to her life’s work and passion for education, echoing her desire to foster literacy in the community.
For further information or to send condolences, individuals may visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com.
Helen’s passing is a profound loss to her family, friends, and students who benefited from her passion for education and love for the community. Her contributions to both will be remembered and cherished by those who carry forward her legacy.
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Additional Resources
- Valley Breeze: Helen Boyd
- Wikipedia: Education
- Legacy: Helen Boyd
- Google Search: Helen Boyd Obituary
- Roper and Sons: Michael “Mike” Degan Houser Boyd
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- LBVFH: Dana Boyd
- Google News: Obituaries
- Heafey Heafey: Leland Boyd Jones
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
