Helen Gwen Cassidy

She began life as Helen Gwendolyn Piggott, the daughter of Helen and Thomas Piggott. Her brothers, Norman and Doug, knew her as "Piglett," but they're gone now. She was the last of that generation, the carrier of memories, the one who saw what the rest of us can only read about in old letters or see in browning photographs.

She was "Gwen" to Patrick, and she added Cassidy to the end of her name when he became her husband in 1940.

She was "Mom" when Colleen, Mary, and Pat were born. During the war, she was "Ma'am" to the kind people who helped a soldier's wife cross the country with three infants in tow. It was easier when Judi, Sean, and Deirdre arrived. She made each of her children feel special. They were her greatest joy. Her greatest sadness was the loss of her son, Pat, and her daughter, Colleen.

She was "Gwennie," to her beloved grandchildren: Katie, Bunky, Todd, Christopher, Julie, Molly, Robert, Solomon, Shane, Janet, Richie, and Jimmie.

She was Mrs. Cassidy to those who knew her during the years she worked for the American Red Cross. She was "General Cassidy's wife," when she moved to San Antonio. Her intense curiosity and desire to know more about the world inspired all who knew her and lead to a thirty-year involvement with the Institute of Texan Cultures. There, she was known as a "volunteer," and she was the smiling face that greeted thousands of people on Saturday mornings.

Whatever name we knew her by, we all lost something when she died on August 24, 2006. Her smiles, her wisdom, and her generosity touched all who knew her.

She will be missed and remembered.

There will be a "time of sharing," at the Institute of Texan Cultures at 1:00 PM on Sunday, August 27, 2006. All who knew her are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Alliance Endowment Fund at the Institute of Texan Cultures.