Erma Helene (Skinner) Hanam, 86, of Auburn, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 after a short illness at the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center of Northborough.

Helene was born in Everett, MA, daughter of the late Dorothea (Power) Skinner and Theodore Skinner. She is survived by her two sons, Edward J. Hanam, Jr., of CO, and Jeff Hanam and his wife Elizabeth Altman, of MA; her granddaughters, Katelyn Hanam, of CA, and Jessica Hanam, of MA; and her sister, Catherine Spiegel, of CA. She also leaves five nieces. Helene was predeceased by her sister, Carol Clendenin, in 1977.

Helene loved nothing more than being a stay-at-home mom to her two boys, Eddie and Jeff, until they were teenagers; always being there when they came home from school to share their day. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother for both of her boys and their neighborhood troops. Helene graduated from Commerce High School and held numerous jobs throughout the years, concluding as the Assistant Town Treasurer for the Town of Auburn, retiring in 1998. She enjoyed taking care of the employees’ health insurance.

Helene also had an extensive 42-year career teaching ballroom dancing for the City of Worcester’s “Night Life” program. She shared her talent with thousands of students that had missed the ballroom era. She also taught line-dancing at the Auburn Senior Center. Helene’s favorite pastime was knitting patterned sweaters for her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Hanam family from 10 – 11 AM on Monday, March 20, 2023 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn, MA, with a service to follow at 11 AM in the funeral home. Burial will be held privately for her family.