Celebrating the life of
Helen Gilkey Corish
January 19, 1916 - September 11, 2011
SAVANNAH - Helen Gilkey Corish passed away Sunday, September 11, 2011, at St. Joseph's Hospital after a brief illness. She was born in Savannah on January 19, 1916, the daughter of Roy Herbert Gilkey and Ethel Cain Gilkey. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Walter C. Corish, an infant daughter, and a sister, Mary Gilkey Campbell.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Walter and Patty Corish of Tybee Island, Grandchildren Trey Corish Mandy of Tampa, FL and Kathy Corish Blackwell Robert of Macon. Six great-grandchildren Maddux, Cullen, and Tyler Corish of Tampa and Grace, Isabel, and Graham Blackwell of Macon, a sister, Ann Gilkey Morris of Savannah and several nieces and nephews.
Helen graduated from Savannah High School and attended the University of Georgia. Returning to Savannah she went to work for the Federal Reserve Bank and later with the Central of Georgia railroad where her father was the Division Engineer. In 1939, at the urging of her future brother-in-law, Julian F. Corish, she became the bookkeeper for then N.P. Corish & Company that was being managed by her high school sweetheart and future husband, Walter. She continued in that capacity and as Secretary-Treasurer of the company for more than 70 years when a broken hip forced her to retire, much to her chagrin, at age 92. She was always a "take charge" but gracious lady with a strong faith in her Lord and a deep devotion to His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
For the past few years, her caregivers became like family and were very special to her: Alicia Wesley, Lee Roberts, Sallie Cook, Mattee Johnson, and Chatura Baul. She and her family were truly blessed to have such loving and devoted women in her life.
Visitation: 5 to 7 PM, Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at Blessed Sacrament Church, with a Vigil Service at 6 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at Blessed Sacrament Church with The Rev. Jeremiah McCarthy celebrant.
Burial will follow in Bonaventure Cemetery.
Remembrances: Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Dr, Savannah, GA 31406, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1003 E. Victory Dr., Savannah, GA 31405, or the Hibernian Society Foundation, 220 East Liberty St., Savannah, GA 31401.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Dear Walter,Patty and Family, Our deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of Mrs.Corish.She was a fixture for so many years and a pleasure to be around.The family is in our thoughts and prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Walter,Patty,and Grands, My thoughts and prayers are with you today as you celebrate the life of Aunt Helen. She was a very special lady admired and loved by many of us. I feel blessed that she was part of my life.
- Mary Corish Banks, Marietta,, GA
Thinking of you and the family during this time of sorrow. How well I know the heartbreak of losing a beloved Mother.
- Dia Bettencourt, Tybee Island, GA
General Corish and family, praying for comfort and peace for all of you. Cherish and enjoy the wonderful memories and joyful times you had with her, knowing that she is in Heaven. Bobby and Sandy Mobley
- Bobby, Hinesville, GA
Our thoughts, prayers and love will be with Mrs. Corish, Walter Jr, Patty and all of the family. We have lost a special lady, and a great former neighbor! Helen will be remembered fondly. Barry & Kay Wilson
- Barry & Kay Wison, Chattanooga, TN
I'm sorry I can't be with ya'll to celebrate Aunt Helen's life. What a find lady she was. The last of a generation. She will truly be missed.
- Martha Corish Branch, Hartwell, GA
Dear Walter and Family You were blessed with a loving mother and father..and I know they felt blessed to have such a loving and devoted family. All of you are so fortunate. Love, Sherry Erskine
- Sherry Erskine, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
- Mr. & Mrs. Dennis M. Herb, Sr., Tybee Island, GA
Dear Walter,Patty and Family, Our deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of Mrs.Corish.She was a fixture for so many years and a pleasure to be around.The family is in our thoughts and prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Walter,Patty,and Grands, My thoughts and prayers are with you today as you celebrate the life of Aunt Helen. She was a very special lady admired and loved by many of us. I feel blessed that she was part of my life.
- Mary Corish Banks, Marietta,, GA
Thinking of you and the family during this time of sorrow. How well I know the heartbreak of losing a beloved Mother.
- Dia Bettencourt, Tybee Island, GA
General Corish and family, praying for comfort and peace for all of you. Cherish and enjoy the wonderful memories and joyful times you had with her, knowing that she is in Heaven. Bobby and Sandy Mobley
- Bobby, Hinesville, GA
Our thoughts, prayers and love will be with Mrs. Corish, Walter Jr, Patty and all of the family. We have lost a special lady, and a great former neighbor! Helen will be remembered fondly. Barry & Kay Wilson
- Barry & Kay Wison, Chattanooga, TN
I'm sorry I can't be with ya'll to celebrate Aunt Helen's life. What a find lady she was. The last of a generation. She will truly be missed.
- Martha Corish Branch, Hartwell, GA
Dear Walter and Family You were blessed with a loving mother and father..and I know they felt blessed to have such a loving and devoted family. All of you are so fortunate. Love, Sherry Erskine
- Sherry Erskine, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
- Mr. & Mrs. Dennis M. Herb, Sr., Tybee Island, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
