Helen Marie O'Leary Hale

Helen Marie O'Leary Hale
Helen Marie Martell was born in Somerville, MA on October 6, 1929, and passed into eternity on May 16, 2025, in Annapolis, MD.
Helen married Thomas J. O'Leary in December 1950, and began the adventure of a U.S. Navy pilot's wife. She would leave Massachusetts to accompany Tom to places like Pensacola, FL. and Corpus Christi, TX. She always made the best of new, or challenging circumstances; working new jobs and making friends wherever they were. When Tom was hired as a pilot for United Airlines, they made several moves through the years with their growing family. As they reared their four children – Karen, Tommy, Jo-Ann, and Steven, they lived in Danvers, MA, Levittown, PA, Wayne, NJ, and La Jolla, CA.
Helen was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She gave her best to her children and found great joy in them. She was never one to sit still. While her children attended school, she took classes, learned to paint, knit, crochet, do needlepoint, and she even braided a rug. She created interesting and beautiful paintings and knitted or crocheted blankets for each of her children and grandchildren in their favorite colors.
She enjoyed traveling, appreciated a beautiful landscape or sunset, and she loved hummingbirds. Her friends and family will forever remember her wonderful sense of humor. She was always grateful to God, and she imparted that gratitude to her children.
Her husband, Tom, died in 1984, after 34 years of marriage. Helen then moved from La Jolla to Annapolis, MD, where she met Dick Hale. They married in September 1986 and moved to Severna Park where they lived for many years until Dick died in 2008, after 22 years of marriage.
She adored her seven grandchildren, and they loved their "Nanny." She spoiled them, shared her practical wisdom, and took them on fun outings. She loved family gatherings and dinners with all of her family. In 1999, she took her children, their spouses, all her grandchildren, and cousin Joan on a memorable Caribbean cruise.
Helen is preceded in death by her first husband Thomas O'Leary, second husband, Richard Hale, daughter, Jo-Ann DeMarino, grandson, Scott Norris, and her three siblings, Jim Martell, Dot Molloy, and George Martell. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Norris (Jim), son Thomas O'Leary (Jeanne), son Steven O'Leary (Maggie), and seven grandchildren: Joanna, Katie, Brendan, Chris, Steven, Erin, and Ronnie, and thirteen great-grandchildren.
There will be a memorial mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Annapolis, MD. on Thursday, June 12 at 10:30 a.m. Her cousin, Father George Evans will be officiating. All are welcome.
Charitable donations on Helen's behalf may be directed to Hospice of the Chesapeake.