Helen Rita Fallon

Helen Ireland Fallon, formerly of Scott Township and Concordia of the South Hills, passed away peacefully on Wednesday July 16 2025, aged 93. Helen was surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard (Dick) Fallon, her cherished son Richard (Mark) Fallon, her parents Margaret (McCusker) and Huebert Ireland, and her older brothers Bill, Jim and Joe. Helen is survived by her many loving nieces and nephews and by her devoted Saint Simon and Jude community where she and Richard were an impressive and steadfast presence for decades. Helen was raised on Seventh Avenue in Carnegie, PA as the youngest of four siblings. Her mother, Margaret was a dedicated homemaker who lovingly worked to raise her four children. Her father was a conductor for Pennsylvania Railroad and was renowned for his work ethic, as he worked seven days a week without vacation. One of the highlights of Helen’s childhood was the moment her father finally decided to take unpaid time off work to show his family the country by train, all the way to California and through Pike’s Peak, Colorado. Helen attended Saint Luke’s School in Carnegie, PA and went onto Secretarial school. One evening after work, she and her friends attended a dance at the University of Pittsburgh sponsored by the Newman club. It was here that she met a charismatic and handsome young man named Richard. Their romance blossomed into marriage in 1958, followed by the birth of their son Mark in 1961. Helen was a devoted mother to her bright and energetic son, and an active member of Saint Simon and Jude Church. She sang in the choir, and together with Richard, served as a Eucharistic Minister. This dedicated couple delivered communion to countless people who were unable to attend mass. Helen and Richard enriched their own spiritual journey by participating in numerous retreats and pilgrimages such as a life-changing trip to Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina. For years to come, Helen would enthusiastically recount the conversations she had with the village’s visionaries. A loyal partner, Helen was a great support to Richard throughout his 24 years serving as a Commissioner for Scott Township. In 1969, Richard’s brother, Col. Patrick Fallon, was declared Missing in Action. While Col. Patrick Fallon was never found, Helen and Richard worked tirelessly with the National League of POW/MIA Families in the hopes of finding closure for their family. Helen cherished family gatherings and celebrations, especially the double festivities on her 4th of July birthday. In her later years, she found happiness in music, singing, and canine companions and was overjoyed when musical entertainers or therapy dogs visited Concordia. Helen and Richard served as an inspiration to others, with a shared faith and purpose that was a result of their deep bond and devotion to each other. As devoted as she was to her husband, Richard was equally dedicated to his wife, frequently promising to “carry her on a silk pillow,” and calling her his “stairway to heaven.”Above all, Helen’s true loves were God, Richard, and her family, for which she and Richard served as spiritual support and guides. Whether it was a sad event like a funeral or a happier event like an Eagle Scout ceremony, Aunt Helen and Uncle Dick were there with positive energy and unwavering love and support. Though we mourn deeply, we take comfort in the belief that Helen is now reunited with her beloved son and husband. We imagine the joyful reunion: Mark rushing to embrace his mother and Uncle Dick holding his beloved bride, exclaiming “greetings my love!” 

Family and friends welcome on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE (412-563-2800) 1650 Greentree Rd. Scott Twp. 15220. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 10:00 am in St. Raphael the Archangel Parish, S.S. Simon and Jude Church. Burial to follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the POW/MIA organization, The National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia at their website, www.pow-miafamilies.org or to Saints Simon and Church Church of St. Raphael the Archangel Parish at their website, https://www.osvhub.com/straphaelcgs/giving/funds.

www.slaterfuneral.com