Helen Theresa Moran

Helen Theresa Moran née Collins The quality of mercy is not strained… Helen was a warm, caring, and welcoming person whom everyone wanted to be with. She had a natural grace and refinement, and a sparkle in her eye. She took great pleasure in witty conversation with her family and friends, yet was often sought out for her wisdom, and her ability to comfort others through kind words and a bracing cup of tea. She had tremendous empathy and respect for the working individual. By her sweet example, she taught her daughters and sons how to be loving parents and compassionate human beings. Helen was born in an Irish working-class enclave of the South Bronx, New York City, in 1925. She was the oldest child of Margaret (née Cronin) and Edward Collins, both of County Kerry. Helen's character was forged in her family's struggle to transcend the hardships of the Great Depression. She cherished the joyful times she had with her brothers and sisters. The five children were blessed by the tremendous strength, nurturing, and love of their mother. A superb student, Helen won a scholarship to Manhattan's Cathedral High School, the finest Catholic girls' prep school in the city. There she excelled in her studies, and loved singing with her classmates in Saint Patrick's Cathedral. Upon graduation, she was awarded a full scholarship to Manhattanville College. She was also named the Most Amiable Girl in her class. Although Helen could not accept the scholarship because of her family responsibilities, she went on to become the wisest, kindest, and most compassionate friend that any of us has ever known. Helen was a beauty, with fair skin, black hair, and frank blue eyes. Malachy Moran, from County Mayo, was captivated. He soon appreciated the beauty of her character, her lively intelligence and sense of fun. They married and over the years raised a family of ten very happy, healthy, hard-working and optimistic children. They were united in a deep love and respect for one another. In 1958 they settled in Saratoga, California. For the past 50 years, their children and grandchildren have been mainstays of the Saratoga schools. In 1970 Helen and Mal lost their eldest son, Kevin, when he was tragically killed while working for peace and non-violence as a student at U.C. Santa Barbara. Helen's deep faith in God gave her the strength and courage to help the family heal from this devastating blow. In the 1970s and 1980s, Helen and Mal threw many a fundraising party to support the goals of freedom and peace in Northern Ireland. They became active in the Irish Social Club, and their Irish Christmas parties are legendary. Many of their closest friendships grew out of these activities. Helen delighted in her friends. Her friendship was ardent and sincere, and the depth and sweetness of these relationships will be sorely missed. Loving mother of Kevin, Rita, Terence, Brian, and Malachy Moran, Joan O'Brien, Mary Drexler, Kathleen Menasce, Sheila Couch, and Margaret Weir. Beloved mother-in-law of Pauline Scholten, Jan Moran, Mary Ann Moran, Elaine Moran, Shawn O'Brien, Jeff Drexler, Philip Menasce, Michael Couch, and Paul Weir. Always delighting in the birth of children, she was the loving grandmother of Conor, Deirdre, Brendan, Daniel, Caitlin, Malachy, Padraic, and Paul Moran; Charles Atkinson; Brigid Camin; Elena Wester; Siobhan, Katherine, and Liam O'Brien; Sheila and Bridget Drexler; Margaret and John Menasce; Mara, Claire, and Kevin Couch; Kelly, Helen, and Catherine Weir; and Kenny Ludlow. Loving great-grandmother of Bret, Holly, and Rebekah Moran, and Kathy and Kevin Camin. Loving sister of Margaret Flynn and Edmund Collins. Loving sister-in-law of William Flynn, Rita Sheehan, Kathleen Borg, Sherrill Collins, and Inge Collins. A loving friend to many. Rosary at Alameda Family Funeral Home in Saratoga at 7pm on Monday, March 24. Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Saratoga at 11am on Tuesday, March 25. Reception to follow.