Helena Ilic Tynan

Helena was born in Croatia on the island of Oto Krk, in the village of Omisalj, where she was raised until the age of nine. The promise of a better life led her and her family to the ship Saturnia which carried them to New York City at the time of the great depression in 1929.

Her earliest memory of reaching America was standing on deck with her two younger brothers telling them to "do as I do" and salute the statue of liberty as it became visible through the fog. Her new life as an U.S. citizen began in Hell's Kitchen where she learned to become a proud American. She attended public schools in Manhattan eventually graduating from Columbia University with a degree in Industrial Nursing.

Her pioneering service as a WWII flight nurse in the South Pacific, participating not only in active combat zones, but in a never before specialized position in the new aero medical evacuation system of U.S. soldiers, exemplified her love for her new country. She graduated to the rank of 2nd Lieut. in the 13th Army Air Force air evacuation squadron, was one of the first women ever in combat in the history of the U.S., and awarded the Air Medal for her services.

After the war, a nursing program at Randolph AFB brought her to San Antonio, Texas. Helena fell in love with the city and initiated the new Health Services Program at City Public Service where she met her future husband, Harold A. Tynan. A life of activity and giving back led her to be involved in many San Antonio groups such as St. Monica's Guild, was a past president of Castle Hill's Women's Club, and, along with her husband, was a founding member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Augustine Tynan.

Mrs. Tynan leaves behind her three sons, Harold A. Hal Tynan Jr., Robert Sean Tynan and wife Cathy, David Liam Tynan and wife Vikki; and five grandchildren Tara, Katie, Shauna, Kyle, and Troy Tynan; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful staff at Incarnate Word retirement community and Vitas Hospice along with her loving personal care providers.

Viewing will begin on Friday, November 5, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at Porter Loring on McCullough.

ROSARY

FRIDAY

NOVEMBER 5, 2010

7:30 P.M.

PORTER LORING CHAPEL

MASS OF THE RESURRECTION

SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 6, 2010

9:30 A.M.

OUR LADY OF GRACE CATHOLIC CHURCH

223 E. SUMMIT

Celebrant will be Rev. Bill Davis, Helena's nephew. Interment in San Fernando Cemetery II with Military Honors. Reception will follow in The Madonna Room at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association

Also please see these following websites:

http://www.enter.net/%7Erocketeer/13thaaf/13thnurse.html

http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/npswapa/gallery/albums/album81/79_H_Tynan.htm