Obituary of Helen Duffy Dalton

Helen Duffy Dalton passed away on February 8, 2023 with family by her side.  Born on June 7, 1934, to Joseph and Mary Duffy, she spent her early years in Boston and Hanover, MA before relocating to Monterey County in 1984. Helen held a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Northeastern University, and was a dedicated Special Education teacher for 40 years, 29 of which were at Alisal High School in Salinas.   
Helen was known for her enduring strength and vibrant spirit, even in her illness. She loved her family most of all and fought relentlessly for her sons’ well-being. Helen’s favorite way of showing her love was through her incredible baking skills. Her lucky loved ones would each receive their own favorite pie, including classics like apple, blueberry, cherry, pecan, and lemon meringue; her husband’s unique favorite, mincemeat; and learned how to make the best chocolate cream pie just so her grandchildren had a pie to love, too. Family and friends across the country looked forward to receiving her well-known fruitcake, as she baked and shipped more than 20 fruitcakes nationally every Christmas season. She always sent her grandchildren home with a bag full of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, William James Dalton, and sons, Bill and Joe.  She is survived by her sons, David, John, and Donald (Laura), and daughters-in-law, Mary (Bill) and Judy (Joe).  She was a grandmother to 8 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 7.
A ceremony will take place at Queen of Heaven Cemetery on April 18th at 2:00pm.