Helen Leary

Helen Leary

August 06, 1931 - March 20, 2025

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Obituary

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Helen's Livestream Service will begin at 11 a.m. CT on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”


MADISON - Helen Theresa Leary, age 93, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at her home. She was born on August 6, 1931, in Charleston, S.C., the third of six children born to John and Eva (Holsonback) Blanche.

 

Helen graduated from Bishop England High School and St. Francis Xavier School of Nursing in Charleston. She was united in marriage to Patrick Leo Leary on November 22, 1952, in Charleston then moved to Madison to start their life together. Helen loved nursing, and worked as an RN at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison for 40 years, retiring in 1995.

 

Helen had a strong faith and was very active with Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. She loved her family and was full of joy, laughter and a kind word for everyone. The lives she touched with her genteel Southern ways and simple, amazing grace are countless, and she was truly loved, respected and admired by all who knew her. She was an avid reader, loved and wrote poetry, and enjoyed crossword puzzles and Euchre games.  She loved music and sang all her life. In addition to raising 10 children, Helen maintained lifelong friendships with her many girlfriends.

 

Helen will be dearly missed by her five daughters, Margaret (Gregory) Walters, Anne (John) Hillier, Jeanne (Keith) Causin, Tracy (Edgar) Johnson and Rita (LeeShon) Leary-Lewis; four sons, Daniel (Linda) Leary, David (Catherine Henderson) Leary, Steven (Lori) Leary and Sean (Kerry Hillard) Leary; son-in-law, Michael Durst; two brothers, Clifford (Jean) Blanche and Alan (Tanya) Blanche; a sister, Anne (Scott) Brightwell; 22 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick; daughter, Coleen Durst; son, Matthew Leary; parents, John and Eva; brother, John Blanche; and sister, Alice Galasso.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025, with Father Chad Droessler presiding. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday.

 

Memorials may be made to the IHM Scholarship Fund.

 

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

 

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420



Events

03
Visitation
Thu Apr 3, 2025 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church • 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, WI 53716
Get Directions
03
Mass of Christian Burial
Thu Apr 3, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church • 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, WI 53716
Get Directions
03
Graveside Service
Thu Apr 3, 2025 @ 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM CDT
Highland Memory Gardens • 3054 County Rd BB, Madison, WI 53718
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03
Luncheon After Burial
Thu Apr 3, 2025 @ 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM CDT
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church • 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, WI 53716
Get Directions

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TT
Tess & Russ Thompson
Other •
My husband Russell and I want to offer our Condolences to the Leary Family. Helen was such a Sweet Lady and had a beautiful singing Voice. Since we have transferred to another Church (St. Dennis Church), I haven't kept up with the parishioners at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.
JG
Jeanie Goff
Other •
Helen, I will miss your beautiful smile, soft, beautiful voice, our exchange of “sign of peace” at daily Mass, and just being able to see you in our beautiful Immaculate Heart Of Mary Church. Your light will continue to shine through your children I often see, and your light will always shine from the first pew. May God hold you in the palm of His hand🙏🏼😇
ML
Monica Leary
Other •
Oh Grammy I’ll forever cherish our many memories from going to church then McDonald’s to our many random thrifting journeys. You’ve even found a few pieces for me and I still have them now. I love you so much and will miss our moments together. Until we are together again ❤️
JW
Jon D Weaver
Other •
"When we lose our loved ones they accompany us wherever we go. They don't disappear from our lives, we are merely in different rooms."
KH
Kelly Hillard
Other •
Our deepest condolences to all of you wonderful Learys. We are so glad we got to meet your mother / Grammy and feel her warmth and sparkle on a few occasions. The most memorable was Helen reading the amazing poem she wrote for Kerry at her 40th surprise birthday party. What a truly special person. May her memory be a blessing to you all. Wishing you comfort and peace. With love, Kelly (Kerry’s sister) and Michael
JL
Jane Leary
Other •
Helen was sitting with her granddaughter, Erica, Stephen and Lori's first born. Erica asked to be read to but then asked if Grammie could read scribble to which Helen responded, maybe you could read to me. Helen's son, David asked for a peanut butter on bread. Helen made it, folded it and handed it to David. He responded, "you bent my bread." Helen then said "I'm sorry David. I didn't know. I won't next time." What a remarkable woman she was. I know her family is mourning their loss but in my heart I know God has welcomed her with open arms. Jane Leary

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