Helen J. Preston

“Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace;” Proverbs 3:17

Worcester - Helen J. (Wicke) Preston, 84, formerly of Shrewsbury passed peacefully Friday September 28, 2018 surrounded by love, with her daughter by her side. 

She was born and raised in Worcester, the daughter of the late John J. and Victoria (Williamson) Wicke, and sister of Mary Roy, Nancy Roberts, and the late Jane Coons. Helen was a devoted wife to her husband Frank Ludovico who died in 1971. Her second marriage was to the late Arthur Preston.

She was Graduate of Venerini Academy and Anna Maria College receiving her Masters in Education. As a Venerini Sister, she taught in New York, Connecticut, and Worcester for many years. Helen remained an Associate of Venerini, and was an active contributor of St. Ann’s Shrewsbury, the Beacon of Hope in Leominster, and she was Honored by the Veterans for her continued support. She lived her life as a true humanitarian, always helping and giving to those in need.

Helen was a woman of incredible faith, compassion, strength and beauty, and she always carried a song in heart; she had a beautiful voice that was heard in the choirs she was dedicated to. She taught children of all ages, had a love of Italian culture and language, and cherished her family. 

She will forever live in the hearts of her family; Daughter Susanna (Ludovico) Barmakian and Rishi Sehgal, Marilyn Ludovico, Norman and Diane Ludovico, William and Tricia Ludovico, Arthur and Joanne (Ludovico) Kimball, and her many Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday October 4 at 10 a.m. in St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury.  Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Wednesday October 3 from 5:30-8 p.m.  in the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home (www.CollinsFuneral.com), 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough.