Obituary of Helen Tobin

Helen (Ventola) Tobin, 87 of North Chatham, MA and Stuart, FL, passed away on May 26, 2015, with her family by her side.

Helen was born in Boston to Italian immigrants, Giuseppe and Consiglia Ventola in 1928. She grew up in Somerville, Massachusetts. After graduating high school in 1946, she attended beautician school and became a hair stylist at her sister Connie's salon in Boston.

In 1947, she met her husband, Frank, on a blind date. They married in 1954, and after living in New Jersey for a while, settled in Acton, Massachusetts, where they owned their first home and had their children, Laurie and Brian. In 1968, Helen and the family had a grand adventure and moved to England, where they were able to explore Europe.

In 1970 the family moved back to the States and ended up in Chatham. Helen once again did hair styling for a couple of years until she and Frank purchased Sea in The Rough restaurant, and suddenly she was a restauranteur. After retiring she and Frank became snow birds splitting their time between Stuart, FL and Chatham.

Helen enjoyed painting, travelling, napping, and, especially, ice cream.

Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Frank H. Tobin of North Chatham, her son Brian Tobin and his wife Laurie of Palm City, FL and daughter, Laurie Phelan and her husband Keith of North Chatham; her grandchildren, Liam Phelan, Katie Tobin, Anya Tobin and Ryan Tobin and her brother, Louis Ventola. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph Ventola, and John Ventola and her sister Concetta Hatfield.

For those who wish, contributions may be made to the Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997, or at or on line at www.tchospices.org

Arrangements are under the direction of the Forest Hills Funeral Home, Palm City.