Helen Catherine O'Grady Mahn

Helen Catherine O’Grady Mahn passed peacefully on June 3, surrounded by her family, at Alexian Village, Signal Mountain, where she received excellent care and spiritual support. The family extend appreciation to the Alexian Brothers Live at Home program, whose caregivers helped her maintain an active quality of life and to Hospice of Chattanooga.

She was born in Stamford, Connecticut, March 2, 1921, the first child of her parents, who were Irish immigrants. Mrs. Mahn was married 63 years to the late William Francis Mahn (“Pappy”). She was employed at the U.S. Treasury in Washington, D.C., during World War II. Throughout her life, Helen was actively involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, while being engaged in civic and social associations, including the Chattanooga Area Women’s Bowling League, the Ladies of Charity, and the Marimont Garden Club. The Mahn’s son, Robert (“Bobby”), had severe challenges. Inspired by his special needs, Mrs. Mahn networked with area families to create the internationally acclaimed Orange Grove Center, where she served as a member of the board of directors, and later as a receptionist welcoming OGC staff and visitors. The Mahns then assisted in founding the Tennessee Parent-Guardian Association. They met with Tennessee Governors to advocate successfully for the reform of care for persons with physical and mental challenges.

They had seven children, including the late William F., Jr. (Kay and Doris), Michael Joseph (Elaine), the late Robert Emil, the late Patrick Dennis, Kathleen Ellen, Edward James (Jane), and Gloria Colleen Culpepper (Charles). Pappy and Nanny have 12 grandchildren, including Kathryn Christine Faires (Kurt), Kelly Cordell Dibrell (Scott), Michelle Marie, Paul Scott, Patrick O’Grady, Erin Colleen, William F., III, Jana Michelle, Hannah Cailin and Charles Griffin Culpepper, John Norman, and Charlotte Adeline. They have 6 great-grandchildren, including Samantha and Thomas Sell, Eli, Nicholas, and Lucy Dibrell, Wilson and Sam Hagen, Paul Mahn, and Luke Smith.

Helen was a longtime member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Her children and many grandchildren were members, and attended the OLPH School, where she was active in many endeavors and ministries. The family will receive visitors at the Chattanooga East Chapel, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, June 5, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Rev. Michael Nolan will be celebrant at a Requiem Mass, with Pastor James Vick, at the OLPH Church, 501 South Moore Road, East Ridge, to be held at 11:00 a.m., June 6. She will be interred at the Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to the Orange Grove Center of Chattanooga (615 Derby Street, Chattanooga, TN 37404 https://orangegrovecenter.org).

Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Rd. East Ridge, TN 37412.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com