Helen Shipley

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Helen J. Shipley, age 73, of Carl Junction, Missouri, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2017, at her home.

Helen was born on March 22, 1944 in Boston, Massachusetts, to the late Joseph and Anna (Lord) MacDonald. She grew up in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, and was a 1961 graduate of Winnacunnet High School. Helen moved to the Joplin area in 1967, where she was a devoted homemaker in raising her five children.

Helen was a devout Catholic and a parishioner at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Joplin, Missouri, and former parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Webb City. She supported Life Choices by crocheting and donating countless afghans to them over the years. Helen also enjoyed helping the sisters at the Queen of Angels Priory in Hulbert, Oklahoma. Throughout the school year, Helen thoroughly enjoyed attending many of the school concerts, plays, recitals, and sporting events of her many grandchildren. She also loved cards, games, and luncheons with her many friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Russell J. Shipley; and a daughter-in-law, Terisa Shipley.

Survivors include her five children; James Shipley, Jr., Mark Shipley and wife, Jana, Christine Corn and husband, Tim, John Shipley and wife, Camille, and Paul Shipley and wife, Heather; 14 grandchildren, who she loved spending time with; James, Elizabeth (Clayton), Aidan, Collin, Leah, Olivia, Ian, Jonah, Lucas, Jack, Ava, Ethan, Jenna and Isaac; four siblings, Joseph MacDonald, Jr., Mary Snaith, Michael MacDonald and Judith Borland; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial for Helen is 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 1, 2017, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Joplin with Rev. J. Friedel officiating. Burial will follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery in Joplin. Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 31, in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary with visitation following until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made payable to Life Choices or the Queen of Angels Convent in care of the mortuary. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.