Helen A. (Carty) Harkins of Melrose & Cedar Pond, Milan NH, passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital. She was only 59 years old. Born in South Boston on July 12, 1948 to the late William & Helen (Gibbons) Carty, she was raised in South Boston until the age of 8 and then moved to Malden. She graduated from Malden High School, class of 1966. Mrs. Harkins married John P. Harkins and they moved to Melrose in 1975. She was a 33 year member of St. Mary's Church of Melrose and worked as a manager with New England Telephone for 30 years and then for Arch Wireless of Saugus for 6 years. Helen loved spending her summers at Cedar Pond in Milan, NH and had done so since she was an infant. During her retirement, she loved entertaining at the pond, playing dominoes and cribbage with a close group of friends and also enjoyed crossword puzzles. She was the devoted wife of 34 years to John P. Harkins of Melrose, loving mother of John P. Harkins, Jr., also of Melrose. Caring sister of Paul Carty of Cutler, ME, William Carty & his wife Barbara of Newport, RI & Thomas Carty & his wife Nancy of Freedom, NH. Special sister in law of Patricia O'Leary & her husband Timothy of Wakefield & Robert Harkins & his late wife Lorraine of Sharon. Loved daughter in law of Mildred Harkins of Melrose. Cherished niece to Uncle Buddy Gibbons & his wife Helen of Marshfield. Also survived by many nieces, nephews & cousins. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Mon. Feb. 18th at 9AM. Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church Herbert St., Melrose at 10AM. Family & friends invited. Visiting hours Sun. 2-6PM. Interment is private. Arrangements by The Gately Funeral Home of Melrose. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701-4688. For directions or to sign guest book, please visit www.gatelyfh.com