Helen Callahan Faser

Helen Callahan Faser, a woman of faith, family, and friendships, died peacefully on July 22nd, seven months after celebrating her 100th birthday. She was predeceased in death by her loving husband, Jack Fredrick Faser.

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on December 17, 1921 to Madeline Von Jaas and James G. Callahan, Helen moved to St. Louis, MO at an early age. Catholic education provided her with a wonderful foundation for life, attending Visitation Academy through her elementary years, and Mary Institute for high school. She matriculated to Chevy Chase College in Maryland, and upon graduation, began a life of work, family, and service. She excelled in her first job as a buyer for Macy’s Department Store in St. Louis and then named manager. During this time, she became a graduate floral designer and served in the United States Navy where she received an honorable discharge.

Helen married Jack, son of Edna and Fredrick Faser, on August 18, 1951 and had five children. As a stay-at-home mother, she was active at her children’s school and parish, Our Lady of Lourdes, always available to volunteer from working in the cafeteria to fundraising. The Faser Family moved to Atlanta in 1969 where Helen resettled her family and joined Holy Spirit Catholic Church in its 2nd year of founding and has been an active member for 53 years. Through this Catholic community, Jack and Helen established friendships, supported the Church on many levels from teaching Sunday school and ushering to setting up the original Church for Sunday Mass. She continued her service to the parish until the pandemic as a faithful member of the hospitality committee on Sunday mornings, the funeral committee, and the Friday night bridge group.

During the 1970s, Helen became a successful real estate broker for Northside Realty and Caldwell Banker, receiving many awards for sales and lifetime achievements. As her children left home, Helen became a volunteer for numerous organizations including Rabun Gap Nacoochee (30-year recognition 2022), Pilot International, and the American Cancer Society. She was most proud of her 42 years of volunteer service at St. Joseph’s Hospital where she provided comfort and compassion each Friday for the patients she interacted with. The Friday “Pink Ladies” formed a special relationship with each other and hospital personnel.

A zest for life, Helen also formed deep friendships through golf, tennis, bridge, mahjong, and traveling. She regularly attended LifeSpan which created opportunities for socialization and activities such as line dancing, education, and most importantly, mahjong. She was named an honorary member of both the National Association of Elevator Contractors and the Druid Hills Golf Club.

Helen achieved so much during her life, but her greatest joy and love was her family: Mary (Bill) Burch, Dr. Jamie Arthur, Fredrick M. Faser, Jeanne (Chuck) Barry, and Peter (Melanie) Faser. She loved and was loved by her grandchildren Jacqueline (Clayton) Albertson, Katherine (Peter) Lyon, Warren Arthur, Billy Burch (Casey), Morgan (Kevin) Blond, Blake Burch, Hoke Faser, Leah Faser, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Visitation is at H.M. Patterson Sandy Springs (Allen Road) on Tuesday evening, July 26th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with recitation of the rosary at 7:30 p.m. A Mass in celebration of Helen’s life is planned for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27th, in the Church, 4465 Northside Drive, with a reception immediately following in McDonough Hall. The family will leave from the reception for a private burial Arlington Memorial Park. Donations in honor of Helen may be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church, https://hsccatl.com/memorials/.