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Helen Scully Obituary
07/30/1939 - 03/03/2025
Helen Therese Gaffney Scully passed away peacefully at her home in San Francisco, California on March 3, 2025.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Helen was the eldest daughter of James Paul and Mary Gaffney. She graduated from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York and earned her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Pittsburgh in 1984.
In the fall of 1962, Helen married Robert "Bob" Scully, Jr. at Sacred Heart Church in Yonkers, New York. Together they built a life rooted in family, service, and adventure.
Helen's professional life reflected her deep commitment to education, the arts, and community. She served as Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Winchester Thurston School in Pittsburgh, PA. She held roles at The Johns Hopkins University and the College of Notre Dame of Maryland University. She went on to become the Director of the Coos Art Museum in Southern Oregon, where her leadership and vision left a lasting impact.
A passionate supporter of the arts and civic life, Helen was a longtime member of the Textile Arts Council at the de Young Museum, served on the board of the Monterey Heights Homeowners Association, and was a member of the Junior League of San Francisco.
Helen and Bob enjoyed adventurous travel, including taking one of the first trips into China once Nixon negotiated access, a train trip across the Silk Road, two voyages with Semester at Sea and participated in international service trips with Rotary International, including one to Ecuador. Helen passed on her love of discovery and dedication to community service to her daughters and grandchildren.
Above all, Helen cherished time with her family. She is survived by her three daughters-Pamela, Cynthia, and Melinda-five beloved grandchildren, and three siblings.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Finn Barr Catholic Church, 415 Edna St. San Francisco on Saturday, August 9th at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen's memory to Winchester Thurston School in Pittsburgh, PA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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