Helen Elizabeth (Collins) Kirwan Age 89
December 30, 2024,
Beloved wife of Honorable John Robert Kirwan for 54 years (preceded in death) and sister-in-law of Joseph (Mary Ellen) Kirwan.
Beloved sister-in-law of Frank and Elizabeth Jeannette (Kirwan) Pinkelman.
Loving mother of Mary Helyn, Kathleen (Brett) McMillen and Colleen (Michael) Brady.
Dear Gammy of Johnny, Colleen, Kate, Patrick and Declan.
Sister of Marianne Collins Brennan and John Michael Collins (deceased).
Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Helen was a graduate of the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Detroit and attended Gesu Catholic Primary School. She attended the University of Detroit and graduated with a Teaching Degree. Helen had a meaningful career in education, working with students both at Highland Park Elementary and in special education at Northville Public Schools.
Helen loved her faith and family more than anything else in the world. She enjoyed skiing and golfing in her younger years; boating, hanging out with her dogs (Bowie, Rudy, Sandy and Mister Butters) and going out to dinner in her recent years. Helen was a bright, loving light who touched everyone she came in contact with. Her beautiful spirit and infectious sense of humor will be with all who knew and loved her, always.
Visitation at O'Brien-Sullivan Funeral Home 41555 Grand River January 9, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM with a sharing of memories at 7:00pm. A gathering of family and will take place at Our Lady of Victory,
133 Orchard Drive, Northville, MI 48167 January 10 from 10:00am until the funeral Liturgy at 11:00 AM. The service for Helen will be lived streamed at www.olvnorthville.org

"To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die"

Donations can be made in memory of Helen to the nuns of the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament, who have been a comfort and blessing to Helen throughout her life.
Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament
29575 Middlebelt Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Or
Capuchin Soup Kitchen
1820 Mount Elliot St. Detroit, MI