Helen M. Rooney
January 19, 1929 - February 11, 2006
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Helen M. Rooney
January 19, 1929 - February 11, 2006
Obituary
Helen Rooney 77 of Laguna Woods was born January 19, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois and passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2006 in Laguna Hills, California of complications from pneumonia. Helen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was beloved by all who knew her. For many years, she was a member of the Little Company of Mary Associates, a Eucharistic Minister at St. Nicholas Catholic Church and a volunteer for many organizations. Helen was preceded in death by her loving son Michael. She is survived by her husband John; son John Jr. Flora; daughters Patti Pike Bob, MaryAnn Neilson and Kathleen Hamilton Gordon; sister Shirley Giblin Austin; 9 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren and many friends.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2006 ~ 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at O’Connor Laguna Hills Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, California 92653.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 17, 2006 ~ 12 Noon at Saint Nicholas Catholic Church, 24252 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, California 92637.
Interment will follow immediately at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest, California.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen’s name to Saddleback Community Outreach, 23011 Moulton Parkway, B-12, Laguna Hills, California 92653.
37 responses to Helen M. Rooney
bill and peggy goddard says:
February 17, 2006
A woman and a mother. A little girl and a grandma. A wife and a liflong companion. My Aunt Helen was all this and more, for a woman is the strength and foundation in all families. Whether she is a single mom or a wife of 57 years, she is the earth from which all beauty grows. She raises her children into adults and knows when she has been successful. When the decades begin to wear you down, your children lift you up. When your body starts to fail you, your family props you up and gives you love and support. In your children you see your life fulfilled. In your grandchildren you are happily reminded of your childhood. In your husband you remember how it all began and how you wouldn’t hesitate to do it all again if give the chance. The happiness you embraced on earth is now about to be multiplied a thousand times over as you transition to that place of glory. You will be missed and always loved. Look down upon us and always remember the legacy you leave behind. Give my love to my parents and all the family members you see. Love you.
Denise Hyde says:
February 17, 2006
Dear Mr. Rooney, Johnny, Patti, Mary Ann and Kathy:
It was almost fifty years ago that my world changed… I cannot describe how excited I was to watch you all moving in next door. All those new kids — new friends!!!! Little could I have imagined then what a profound impact it would be on my life. And little could I have imagined that almost half a century later we would still be united by friendship and love. Because, when the Rooneys are part of your life, friendship and love abound, and continue.
My love, thoughts, and prayers are with you all. How blessed we all were by your beautiful, kind and gracious mother. Some of my very earliest memories in life are of you all, and especially, Mr. and Mrs. Rooney. Christopher and I before my sisters were born, and then they, too felt so much a part of your family, and had no trouble sitting down at your kitchen table and eating with your clan…..and your mom had no trouble at all including us with you. She also had no trouble giving us word or two and keeping us in line when we needed it more often for Chris than me, I’d like to think! — see, we truly were part of her family!!
I’ve been thinking back to those days…..lying on the green grass in the front yard and watching falling stars until our moms called us inside….dancing in the living room…..chop suey!!!! your mom never forgot that!!!!….a figurine or planter? your mom had of a stylish lady’s head that I thought was the most elegant thing I’d ever seen….change for the Good Humor man…..the escaped animals from the nativity scene…..picnics and barbecues…sleepovers… so many memories, and Mr. and Mrs. R at the center of them all.
Thank you. Thank you for moving next door. Thank you for being friends. Thank you for being family. And thank you for sharing with us such a wonderful mother. What a gift we were all given.
I will always carry your mom in my heart. I will always be grateful she was in my life.
love, Denise
Bob says:
February 18, 2006
Mom,
Like everyone else I went looking for a favorite photo to share with everyone, but found that my favorites are in my heart and memories. I will tell anyone that wants to hear of my very special mother and what she meant to me. I loved being able to call you Mom, and I will miss you so very much.
I Love You,
Bob
Cathy Dumphy says:
February 19, 2006
Jack,
Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. Helen was a wonderful person and it was a blessing to know her. May the love of your family and friends help you through this difficult time.
Love,
Cathy Dumphy
Kathleen Schinhofen says:
February 19, 2006
Dear John,
I just learned of your loss of your dear love, Helen. I send warmest condolences and promise to keep you and your family in my prayers. I will be in touch. Kathy