Helen Marie Alloway

Helen Marie Hellinger Alloway went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the age of 91. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and devoted caregivers, with the comforting sounds of her favorite country music playing by her bedside.

Born in Kovar, Texas, to Beno and Bessie Hellinger, Helen was one of eleven children and grew up surrounded by the joy and closeness of a large family.

As a young woman, she moved to Austin to pursue business studies, where fate brought her to Deep Eddy Swimming Pool. There, she met a young U.S. Air Force Airman, Vernon Alloway. Their love story began, and together they built a life in Austin, raising five children and sharing 53 devoted years of marriage until Vernon’s passing in 2007.

Gifted with a keen mind for numbers and an eye for detail, Helen pursued a career in accounting. She found her professional home at the University of Texas Housing and Food Service Division, where she worked for two decades. Known for her warmth as much as her efficiency, she took joy in personally handing out paychecks to students and staff—who, in turn, looked forward to seeing her friendly smile. Her dedication earned her numerous honors and awards, including the distinguished SWACUHO Service Award for her lasting contributions to student housing.

Though accomplished in her work, Helen’s greatest devotion was always to her family. A loving wife, a devoted mother, a cherished sister, aunt, and friend. However her most treasured role was that of Grandmother. She delighted in creating special memories for her grandchildren, who will always remember her homemade cookies, freezers stocked with ice cream, and her famous chocolate fountain at family gatherings. In her later years, Helen’s sweet and gentle spirit continued to shine, as she showed constant gratitude and care for the caregivers who surrounded her.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernon Alloway; her parents, Beno and Bessie Hellinger; her in-laws, William and Thelma Alloway; her granddaughter, Michelle Lynn Shields; and many of her brothers, sisters and their spouses.

She is survived by her children: Sharon Alloway of Leander, TX; Harley (Katherine) Alloway of Georgetown, TX; Cynthia (Stephen) Shields of Brady, TX; Patricia (Mark) Mortimore of Flagstaff, AZ; and Tammy (Rodney) Busfield of Austin, TX. She is also survived by her sister, Henrietta Meuth of Smithville, TX; ten grandchildren who brought her endless joy: Katherine (Brandon) Roberts, Jason Flemming, Jeremy (Emily) Shields, Crystal (Mike) Smith, Steven (Yasmine) Alloway, Victoria (Jenna) Alloway, Taylor (Abbi) Alloway, Harley Busfield, Sydney Busfield, and Adam Busfield; as well as eleven great-grandchildren: Daylyn, Tristan, Maxwell, Grace, Lexy, Zoey, Alivia, Ava, Alayna, River and Gazelle.

The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at The Haven at San Gabriel and Serenity Hospice for the care and compassion they showed Helen in her last days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Helen’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter in Austin.