Helen Marie Brunet

Helen Walsh Brunet, 89 years, died peacefully on January 15, 2019 at Mt. Carmel East Hospital. She was born on August 31, 1929 in Cambridge, Massachusetts but spent her childhood in Somerville, Massachusetts. She married Philip Brunet in 1949 and in 1954 they moved to Columbus where she enjoyed a long and happy life.

Her life was defined by being the "mother of 12," her famous banana bread, and being a "Boston Irish Catholic" in spite of living in Columbus for over 50 years. She was an early member of St .Philip the Apostle Church, and the people she met through the Altar Rosary Society were lifelong friends. She loved a good party, and nothing pleased her more than "everyone having a good time." Later in life, her days were filled with the stories and activities of her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family and friends were the essence of her joy. We would also be remiss to not mention her fondness for dogs, gardening, Celtic Women and discussing politics (dare we say if you were Irish, you had her vote.)

We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from our mother and most importantly she encouraged us "to go with the flow" and always maintain a sense of humor. We can hear her saying, "grieve not for me, remember the best times, the laughter, the songs, the good life I lived, until the day comes when we are all together." She felt truly blessed and we were as well.

She is survived and will be dearly missed by her children, Helen Dennis (Mark), Phyllis O'Neill, Dorothy Barker (Mike), Philip Brunet (Linda), Christine Kelly (Jeff), Tom Brunet, John Brunet (Julie), Elizabeth Brunet, Ann Raver, Cecelia Brunet, and Tim Brunet (Therese). She will also be missed by her 20 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by her sister Dorothy Kelly and sisters-in-law Phyllis Pawl and Jean Brunet who all reside in the Boston area, and sister-in-law Elizabeth Hadge in California.

She was preceded in death by her husband Philip, daughter Catherine Brunet, and sons-in-law Bill Raver and Stephen O'Neill.

The family will receive guests and share stories at Schoedinger East Chapel, 5360 E. Livingston Ave., where visitation will be from 2 PM to 6 PM on Sunday, January 20th. A prayer service will begin at 5:45 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 1573 Elaine Rd. on Monday, January 21st at 11:00 AM, and she will be buried in St. Joseph Cemetery following the Mass. Fr. William L. Arnold, Celebrant.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider St. Philip the Apostle Church's food pantry fund, 1573 Elaine Rd, Columbus, Ohio 43227.

The family wishes to provide a special thanks to the excellent staff at Mt. Carmel East who brought her such great care and comfort in her final days.