Helen M. Stout
Date of Passing:
Helen Murphy (Hosty) Stout, 85, of Nathaniel Road, Barrington, passed away peacefully at home on April 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was the beloved wife of the late John W. Stout and the devoted mother of the late Katherine I. Murphy. To those who knew and loved her best, she was simply, Nana.
Born in Chicago, IL, she was the daughter of the late James and Charlotte Irene (Ahern) Hosty. Helen was the youngest of seven siblings and was proud to be part of a large and loving family. She lived in Barrington for the past 48 years.
Helen graduated from Rosary College (IL) in the Class of 1961 and later earned her Master’s degree in Teaching from Duke University. Her passion for education touched many lives; from teaching Bible study in her hometown, to early elementary in North Carolina while attending Duke, and later at various elementary schools in Barrington, where she touched the lives of countless students. Even after retiring, she continued to teach, volunteering as an ESL instructor at Weaver Library and leading Bible study groups until shortly before her passing.
A devoted communicant of St. Luke Church and active member of the Friends of the Barrington Library, and was part of many book groups. Helen had a love for learning, faith, and community. She enjoyed traveling, especially to Waterville Valley, NH during foliage season, and to New Orleans, where she and her husband would delight in listening to live jazz music.
She is survived by her granddaughter, Rebecca M. Pinto, her partner Tom Mulcahy and their daughter, Aurora P. Caravelli of Barrington. She is also survived by her step-son, John R. Stout, his wife Gail Stout, their children Luke J. Stout and Rosemary J. Stout of Burrillville; her sister, Marge Brennan; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family across the Country.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday May 8, 2025 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside from 4-8 p.m.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Luke Church, Washington Road, Barrington on Friday May 9, 2025 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Forest Chapel Cemetery, Nayatt Road, Barrington.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the Friends of the Barrington Public Library or Doctors Without Borders—two causes she deeply valued and supported.
Helen’s smile and thoughtful, insightful comments will be so missed at book club gatherings. She certainly won the award for the most in-person participation!!
It was a joy to know her. My condolences to her family.
Naomi Kennedy
Mrs Stout was my first grade teacher way back in 1985/86 at Primrose Hill School. I was just telling my kids about her recently. I still have fond memories from her class, all those years ago… I’m sorry to hear about her passing.
Helen will be missed by everyone at Barrington Public Library. A frequent program attendant, she was in the library almost as much as some of our staff and greeted everyone with a kind smile. We lost a true library lover.
Bible study at St. Luke’s will never be the same without Helen’s keen insights and deep faith. I miss her dearly and will always cherish the short few years she touched my life. Rest in peace, gentile woman. Wach over your beloved girls.
You were the best Godmother to me. I will miss you dearly.
The family of Dan and Connie Carroll were very sorry to learn of Helen Stout’s passing, and send our condolences to her family.
She was a lovely caring person.
I always enjoyed her comments in the Literary Pairings book group.She was often the only one not on zoom but in person at the library.
Very sorry to hear about Helen’s passing. I knew her from the Mystery & Thrillers book club since its inception and she always had great insights. A lovely person who will be missed.
I knew Helen through the Mysteries and Thrillers reading group at the Barrington library. I always enjoyed her thoughtful insights and jaunty sense of humor. We will all miss her.
Helen was part of one of my book groups. I’ve missed her. I’m so sorry for your loss and ours. My best wishes to her family.
Helen, we held hands just weeks ago at the one year anniversary mass for your daughter. You are now together to comfort one another. Blessings. JB
I’m so sorry. Helen was a lovely person and a valued member of the Barrington Women’s Club, where I had the pleasure of knowing her. My condolences to her dear friends and family.