Gloucester - Helen M. (Otto) Greely, 88, of Gloucester, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She was the wife of the late James C. Greely III.

Helen was born in Pelham Manor, New York on July 21, 1937, daughter of the late Robert H. Otto and Lydia Maguire Otto. She attended Endicott College where she met her husband James C. Greely III. She was a compassionate gardener, enjoyed decorating beautifully designed cakes for family and friends, loved creating exquisite flower arrangements, crafted artistic decorations for all occasions and played golf and tennis at Bass Rocks Golf Club for many years. She so enjoyed having her family together for all holidays, birthdays and cookouts in the backyard, a paradise that she designed. In recent years Helen enjoyed her bridge club very much.

She leaves behind her children: Debbie Reef and husband Howard of Boston, Julie Napolitano and husband John of Rowley, James C. Greely IV and wife Regina of Gloucester, and Kimberly Best and husband Christopher of Ipswich; her grandchildren Blake Reef, Kerry Reef and wife Elyse, Brianna (Napolitano) and husband Justin Gelotte, Monica (Napolitano) and husband Josh Mele; and great grandchildren Emerson Gelotte, Brooks Gelotte, Sloane Reef and Ari Reef.

In addition to her husband Jimmy, she was predeceased by her daughter Cheryl Greely and sister, Susan (Otto) Spicer.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Aberdeen Home Care and Care Dimensions for their wonderful support of nurses and aides.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Aberdeen Home Care and/or Care Dimensions.

Arrangements are by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.

For online condolences please visit greelyfuneralhome.com.