Helen F (McLaughlin) Knudsen - , RI

(01/23/13) Helen Frances (McLaughlin) Knudsen, wife of Leon C. Knudsen, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 23, 2013. Born in Providence on February 12, 1939, she was the daughter of Henry J. and Helen T. (McWilliams) McLaughlin. Helen resided in Providence until she married and became a full-time resident of Charlestown in 1958. In 1993 she moved to Coventry where she resided until her death. Helen worked in law enforcement for 23 years as secretary/dispatcher to the Chief of Police in Charlestown, RI and as the Prosecutors Secretary for South Kingstown Police Department. She was active within the Masonic and Shrine community with her husband Leon for many years. Besides her husband, Helen is survived by her brother Henry J. McLaughlin III and his wife Linda of Saginaw, TX. Helen was the proud mother of four children, Suzan Morris (Wayne), Kathleen McLaughlin, John Rondina (Michael), and Keith Knudsen (Laura). She was grandmother “Sean Mere” to five grandchildren, Patricia Cirelli, Casey Morris, Ashley Knudsen, Brittney Wilson and Chelsea Wilson and great grandmother to Landon, Paige and Maddalena Cirelli. Helen also enjoyed her many nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 25, 4-7 PM at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home & Crematory, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick. Everyone is requested to go directly to church for a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 26 at 8:00 AM at SS. John & Paul Church, 341 South Main Street, Coventry. Burial will be in Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery, North Kingstown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the “100 Club of RI” 222 Chestnut Street, Providence, RI 02903. Information and condolences at carpenterjenks.com.