Sister Helena Monahan

Monahan, Sister Helena

May 1, 1942 - September 19, 2025

Sister Helena Monahan entered eternal life on September 19, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born on May 1, 1942, in St. Louis. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in 1960 and professed perpetual vows in 1968.

Sister Helena earned a Ph.D. in English at St. Louis University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence at the University of Houston. She taught at several schools in Missouri and Texas; then served in various capacities at the University of the Incarnate Word, including Chancellor; and served as the Province and Congregational Leader. Later, she was the President at Incarnate Word Academy, St. Louis, and at the time of her death, was Project Manager at Incarnate Word Foundation, St. Louis.

She dedicated her life to the service of the poor, the education of young people, care for the natural world, and the dignity of immigrants. She connected people across the world and spread love to all those she met, whose lives were made immeasurably more joyous for having known her.

Helena loved her extended family, who were spoiled by her generosity and willingness to see the best in all of us. She is survived by her brother, Jim (Monika); nieces and nephews Andrea (Steve) Wieselman, Jim (Jim Peppler) Monahan, Kris Monahan, Jenny Monahan, Peter (Jenny Song) Monahan, Geralyn (Sam) Murphy, Joe (Lesa) Moran, Patty Moran (Mike Manna); and numerous great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Helen Moran; nephew, Frank Moran; and her parents, James L. and Helen Monahan.

Visitation at Collier's Funeral Home, 3400 Lindbergh, on September 24 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral mass at St. Pius V Catholic Church, 3310 S. Grand, on September 25 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, or Incarnate Word Academy in St. Louis.