Helen Margaret (Meany) Wellin

Helen Margaret Wellin passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024. She was 93. Helen was born on October 15, 1930 in Austin, Minnesota to Francis Patrick and Ruth (Gavin) Meany.

She is survived by her loving children: Thomas Wellin of Bismarck, North Dakota, Kathleen and Joseph Nania of Saugatuck, Michigan, Jane and Jon O’Sullivan of South Bend, Indiana, Arne Christopher “Kip” and Kathleen Wellin of St. Joseph, Michigan, Marc Wellin and Cynthia Copp of Chicago Illinois, and beloved sister Ruth Murphy of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Warren, and their son Theodore “Teddy” Wellin.

A graduate of St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, Helen studied Montessori childhood education. She met her husband Warren Wellin at a St. Thomas University “Mixer”. They married soon after, and spent 63 loving years at each other’s side.

The young couple moved to the South Bend area in 1960, settling their family in one of Winding Brook Park’s first homes.

Helen worked tirelessly to raise 6 children, and passed on to each of them her intrinsic love of art, music and storytelling. She gave herself fully to the loving care of her youngest son, Teddy, who died in 1995 at 26.

As a wedding coordinator in the Sacred Heart Basilica at Notre Dame, Helen found a job she truly loved, and served there for more than 20 years before retiring in 2018. She also volunteered her time at the Snite Museum of Art as a docent.

Always looking for the good in others, she faced life’s challenges with a calm, positive energy that uplifted those around her. She was insightful, energetic and strong, and she never shied away from hard work.

Helen had a great sense of humor, a love of fashion, shopping and home decorating as well. Her children; 17 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren will forever hold memories of her songs, stories and beautiful spirit.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, Granger, Indiana on Thursday, October 24, at 5:30pm ET. Visitation will begin at 4:00pm

Donations can be made to the Center for Hospice Care at www.cfhcare.org.