Dorothy (Shannahan) Matern was my mother and a very good friend of Helen's for 70 years. I remember my mother telling how homesick she was when she began attending the University of Iowa in 1930 at the age of 16. Mom's uncle, Msgr Shannahan, said that he knew a fine young woman would look after mom and show her around campus. The fine young woman was Helen. It was the beginning of a life-long friendship.

We - my sisters and I - met Helen and loved her, too. It was great fun when she and mom came to visit us in Greenfield, which is just west of Minneapolis. It was a joy to be a "mouse in the corner" as we listened to mom and Helen reminisce.

She was a great lady and will be greatly missed. We are praying for her soul and for all of you.