Helen Garrett O'Sullivan

Helen Garrett O’Sullivan of Mountain Brook died on the morning of October 8, 2012 after a long illness. She was born in Anniston, Alabama to Horace and Mary Alice Garrett of Ashland, Alabama, on August 15, 1929. She graduated from Clay County High School at 16 because of her in depth studies during her summers. From there she attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery for two years. She then transferred to The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa where she entered the school of Business. She was in the minority of women majoring in Commerce at that time. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and made lifelong friends. In 1949 she was voted top Corolla Beauty at the University. Her blind date for the awards and festivities was I.L. (Pat) O’Sullivan Jr, who played football for The Tide. They graduated and married in 1950, a marriage that lasted for 54 years until Pat’s death in 2004.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was always there for her family and welcomed anyone in need. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Birmingham, a founding member of Hill and Dale Garden Club and member of The Country Club of Birmingham. She was an avid reader and Bridge player and enjoyed creating beautiful needlepoint canvases as well as knitting and crocheting.

She is survived by her daughter Mary O’Sullivan Henderson (Hiliary Herbert Henderson, III), son Patrick LaGarde O’Sullivan, daughter Alyce O’Sullivan Blach (Robert Howard Blach), her grandsons, Hiliary Herbert Henderson, IV. (Sarah Johnson Henderson), John O’Sullivan Henderson (Jamie Geyer Henderson), Patrick Allan Smith, Benjamin Lee Blach, her granddaughters Margaret Henderson Ellis (David Fitzgerald Ellis), Lauren York O’Sullivan and Joanna Catherine Smith and her great-granddaughter, Lily Marie Henderson.

Helen’s family will always be thankful for the angels that helped to care for her in her last years; Karen Baker, Barbara Gaines, Angel Gaines, Vicki Love and LaDonna Parker. They would also like to extend special thanks to Care First Hospice for their care and assistance in the final months.

Her life will be celebrated with a grave-side service at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at Elmwood Cemetery. Father John McDonald of St. Francis Xavier will conduct the service. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you donate to the charity of your choice in Helen’s name. Arrangements are under the direction of Rideout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood.