Helene M. (Spencer) Cunningham passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Tuesday, May 24, 2011. She was 71 years of age. Helene was born in Malden on November 13, 1939 to the late Richard & Ellen (McNulty) Spencer. Mrs. Cunningham was raised in Malden, graduated from Girls Catholic High School in Malden and from Boston State Teacher's College. She worked as a math teacher at the Lincoln Jr. High School in Malden for a short time and then as a math teacher at Malden High School for 35 years, retiring in 2000. She also taught a tax preparation class and had a side job assisting friends and family filing taxes. Helene has been a resident of Melrose since 1973 and was known for her beautiful smile and great sense of humor. Mrs. Cunningham cherished the times spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, was an avid reader and enjoyed a good cup of tea. Helene was a longtime member of Bellevue Golf Club in Melrose, a member of The Church of the Incarnation in Melrose, a member of the Massachusetts Teacher's Association, was a former member of the Melrose Women's Bowling League and served on the board at the Malden Teachers Credit Union for several years. Helene was the beloved wife of the late Richard T. Cunningham. Loving mother of Robert M. Cunningham & his wife Melissa of Melrose, Richard T. Cunningham Jr. & his wife Stacey of N. Andover and William D. Cunningham & his wife Lisa of Melrose. Devoted grandmother of Emma & Daniel, Abby & Lily and Isabel Cunningham. Sister of the late Jack & Richard Spencer. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Friday May 27th, at 9AM. A Funeral Mass in celebration of Helene's life at The Church of the Incarnation, 425 Upham St. Melrose, at 10AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Thursday 4-8PM. Burial in Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made in Helene's memory to Mystic Valley Elder Services, 300 Commercial St. Malden, MA 02148.