Helen T. Moran

On Tuesday September 21, 2010, a special light went out in our world. A new light, maybe a star, was born in heaven, as our beloved mother, Helen Moran undoubtedly was welcomed instantly in heaven by those who have gone before us. Their gain is our overwhelming and unspeakable loss.

On the last day of her life, her parish priest, Father Hunter visited Mom, prayed over her and absolved her of all her sins. All of us present agreed that she did not have any sins to forgive! She truly emulated all that is good in humanity. She never thought of herself first. She thought of everyone else, especially children, anyone’s child, not just her own. She never complained and always had a positive outlook on everything.

Mom didn’t think of herself as anything special. We don’t agree. Anyone that had the good fortune to meet her KNEW she was special. You may have only met her once, but surely, you remember her and her personality. She was ALWAYS smiling, always happy, always enjoying whatever moment she was in. She was always an inspiration.

Good or bad, she only saw the good. Even if you hadn’t had the good fortune to meet her, you surely had the good fortune of hearing about her!

Our mother, Helen Theresa Murphy Moran was the daughter of Anna Flanagan Murphy Sullivan and was blessed with two wonderful fathers, Daniel Murphy and James Sullivan. Daniel Murphy died in a farming accident in Ireland when Mom was only seven years old. James Sullivan came into the family’s life a short time later. Together he and Anna raised seven Murphy/Sullivan children.

Mom was born in New York City and was raised there and in Ireland. She married the love of her life, Marty Moran in NYC in June 1950. They began their life together in NYC and eventually moved to New Jersey, Michigan, Massachusetts and Florida. Theirs was a love affair to be envied and set an example for their 8 children. Everyone’s world was shattered by Marty’s death in 1986.

Helen is survived by her children, daughter Theresa (John) Landry of Cape Coral, FL, son James (Karen) of Boston, MA, daughter Maureen (Louis) Hurtik of Columbia, SC, daughter Nancy (Jerry) Gonsiewski of Largo, FL, son Martin (Louise) of Dunedin, FL, daughter Jeanne (Dale) Bautel of Palm Harbor, FL, son Thomas (Debbie) of Palm Harbor, FL, daughter Virginia (John) Bierdeman of Clearwater, FL, along with her grandchildren, Kevin Gonsiewski, Lauren Mary Moran, John Martin Landry, Mary Elizabeth Moran, Kelly Moran Hurtik, Erin Kathleen Landry, Anna Louise Moran, Alison Maureen Hurtik, Dana Helen Hurtik and Theresa Irene (Terri) Moran.

Helen is also survived by her sisters, Elizabeth Murphy Maloney of Clearwater, Kathleen Murphy Sinnott Rodgers (Frank) of Holbrook, NY, Sr. Joan Sullivan of Harriman, NY and brother James Sullivan (Marie) of Commack, NY, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mom had a strong faith and believed in Heaven and the alternative. She prayed daily and attended Mass weekly. Mom practiced her faith in her everyday life. She and our father were Charter Members of St. Brendan’s Catholic Church.

Besides her family and friends, Mom enjoyed traveling, sports (Gators, Seminoles, Carolina Gamecocks, Notre Dame, Michigan State), politics, debates, crossword puzzles (does anyone know what “educe” means?), the beach, Atlantic City (only for the Saltwater Taffy!) and any other adventure life had to offer. One of her favorite travels was marching down 5th Ave. in New York’s St. Patrick’s Day parade with our large extended family.

Our family was blessed to have enormous love and support during Mom’s illness. Cards, letters, flowers, food, visits, phone calls and more, arrived at the house in a steady pace. Neighbors and friends provided airport shuttles whenever needed. They thought of our needs even before we did. We are forever grateful.

Suncoast Hospice aides and nurses also took great care of Mom and were with her throughout. We thought of them as family. We will always remember Rose, Carolyn, Evelyn, Helen, Joann, Lupe, Patty, Pauline, Lupe, Crystal, Dawn, Darnell, June and all the Nancys.

We will be receiving friends Saturday, October 16th, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church on Island Estates in Clearwater. We will celebrate a Funeral Mass at noon.

In lieu of flowers Mom requested contributions to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, 750 San Salvador Drive, Dunedin, FL 34698, or St. Brendan Catholic Church, 245 Dory Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767, or Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760.

Here is an Irish Blessing Mom enjoyed and it is certainly appropriate today.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.