Helen ONeill Hayden

      Helen ONeill “Mom Hayden” Hayden, 75, entered into rest on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at her home in Donnally Mills.

     One of fourteen children, she was born Nov. 23, 1947 in Belfast, Co. Antrim, North of Ireland to John “Jack” and Catherine (Lindsay) ONeill.

     She came to the United States as an au pair in 1967 at age 20 and worked for a family in Philadelphia. She met the love of her life, Thomas Michael Hayden, who was a U.S. Navy Seabee, just returned from Vietnam. Helen and another Irish girl were at a bus stop when Tom stopped his car for a red light. He offered Helen and her friend a ride. They were married Aug. 10, 1968, and recently celebrated their 55th anniversary. Helen and family were proud to attend her ceremony as she became a United States Citizen on September 30, 1996.

     In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by three children, Thomas Hayden of Newport, Mary Catherine Hoke and husband Joseph R., of Mifflintown, and Colleen Tatara and husband, Brian, of Hershey, six grandchildren, Michael Buckley, Darian Holley and fiancé, Bond Marburger, Alex Hayden, Kieran Holley, Carter Tatara and Shealyn Tatara, one step-granddaughter, Kayla Hoke Coder and husband, Gabe, one great-granddaughter, Serenity Williams, one step-great-granddaughter, Everly Coder, and four siblings, Martin ONeill, Dee Corrigan and husband, Robert, Marguerite Gallagher, and Seamus ONeill, all of Belfast, North of Ireland.

     In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by nine siblings, AnnMarie ONeill, two infant brothers, Anthony ONeill, Mary Forgione, Arthur ONeill, Pat ONeill, Sean ONeill, and Kathleen McAvoy

     Helen was a CNA caregiver but was mainly a wife, mother and homemaker. Her memberships included Millerstown Ambulance: first responder crew member, Millerstown Fire Company: Women’s Auxiliary volunteer, Greenwood High School Athletic Booster, and the Irish Northern Aid Committee.

     Helen enjoyed traveling, camping, bowling and playing volleyball. She was a former Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. She and her husband often traveled to their cottage and farm in County Donegal, Ireland which they considered their home away from home. She loved her family dearly and spent much of her time supporting their children and grandchildren and never missed a game in their various sporting activities.

     There will be a Requiem Mass at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2023 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 811 Shermans Valley Road, New Bloomfield, PA 17068 with Rev. Robert Sharman officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. There will be no viewing. A Celebration of Life at Millerstown Community Center, 110 W. Juniata Parkway, Millerstown will immediately follow the Mass on Monday.

     Interment will be at the convenience of her family in Ireland.

     In lieu of flowers, those who desire are asked to give a memorial contribution to Alzheimer Research: Alzheimer’s Assoc., 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 6060, website: https://act.alz.org or Residential Hospice at 100 Sterling Parkway, Suite 110, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

     Guss Funeral Home, Inc., 20 S. Third Street, Mifflintown is assisting the family with the cremation arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.gussfh.com.

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