Helen E. McKinlay

1939 - 2021

McKinlay, Helen E.
1939 - 2021
Helen Elizabeth McKinlay, 82 of Westerville, passed peacefully on Saturday, July 24, 2021 surrounded by her entire family. Born May 24, 1939 in New Haven Connecticut, she is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Elizabeth Griffin; sister & brother-in-law, Carol and Howard Clark; and loving husband, Robert T. McKinlay, Jr. Helen is survived by daughters, Kathleen (Dean) Miller; Lisa (Gary) Salyers; Allyson (Duane) Mitzel; Elizabeth (Kurt) Smith; son, Stephen (Amy) McKinlay; niece, Karolyn Clark (Anthony Santillo); and twelve grandchildren: Jennifer (Troy) Mannino and Jay Miller; Adam, Evan, Abagaile (Troy) Call, Magdalena, and Zachary Mitzel; Olivia, Alexyss, Austyn, and Ian Smith; and Payton McKinlay. As a supportive mother, she attended all of her children's sporting events and continued to support her grandchildren as they pursued all of their endeavours. She was the best mom and grandmother in the world. Her family was most important in her life. She put her children and grandchildren before herself, and they were, and forever will be, her pride and joy. Helen was a member of Church of the Resurrection of New Albany. She was a devout Catholic, a loyal Navy wife, and devoted her career as a Registered Nurse, caring for others, forever setting an example which will never be forgotten. Initially spending winters in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with her husband, she spent the last few in Scottsdale, Arizona where she created her beach house in the middle of the desert. She had a passion for gardening and loved flowers of all kinds, taking great pride in the colors of her gardens every spring and summer. She will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts, but we know she is finally at peace in the arms of her husband, the love of her life. Friends may call at the Moreland Funeral Home, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, Wednesday from 5-8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Resurrection, 6300 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany, OH Thursday at 11am. Rev. Fr. Denis Kigozi, celebrant. Donations may be made in her name to the American Lung Association or the Wounded Warrior Project.