Helen Haley Tinney

HELEN HALEY TINNEY Our beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great grand-mother went to her heavenly home to be with her husband, Tom, and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Wednesday, September 30, 2015. Helen was born on March 2, 1926 in Oklahoma to Eldon and Harriet Haley. Her family then moved to St. Louis where she lived until the war began. She met the love of her life, Tom, at a USO dance, and they got married 13 dates later, just before Tom shipped out in World War II. He was a nose gunner bombardier on a B24. Angels protected Tom as his plane was shot down three times over Europe. He returned to his Helen and they remained married for 44 years, until Tom died in 1989 from ALS. Helen is also predeceased by her younger sister whom she adored, Ellie Harris. Those left to cherish her memory are: Tom Tinney (Lee) and John Tinney ( Tammy); five grandchildren, Patrick Tinney (Trisha), Beth Tinney, Katie Burnett (Justin), Juliet Blotzer (Shon), Scott Tinney (Grayson); and four great grandchildren, Olivia Tinney, Isabelle Williams, Haley Tinney, and Genevieve Blotzer. Helen has been a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, and worshipped at St. Andrews Covenant Presbyterian Church for all of her time in Wilmington. She was a member of the Philanthropic Organization, PEO, for over 40 years. She was an avid golfer, lived in Pine Valley on the golf course, and played for many years. She was very creative, enjoying sewing and knitting and sharing these gifts with many lucky recipients. Her career was her family, and she devoted herself to her husband and sons. However, this career did not end once her sons were grown; her love, generosity and unselfishness toward her family have shined brightly until the end. She will be great missed. A private graveside service will be held for family which will be officiated by Rev. Jim Snider. Burial will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens in Wilmington. Condolences may be sent to the Tinney family at www.andrewsmortuary.com.