Celebrating the life of
Helen Whelan Doolan
July 20, 1928 - May 27, 2011
-SAVANNAH- Helen Marie Whelan Doolan of Savannah, Georgia, passed away peacefully Friday, May 27, 2011. Born on July 20, 1928 in Savannah, she was the daughter of the late Edward James Whelan, M.D. and Louise Young Whelan. She was educated in the Savannah parochial schools, graduating from Sacred Heart School and St. Vincent's Academy. She received a BS degree in nursing education from Mount St. Agnes College and Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. She was a nursing supervisor of the psychiatric ward of the old St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah; associate supervisor of nursing for Jackson County Hospital in Seymour, Indiana; and a private duty nurse in Spartanburg, SC. After retiring in 1986, she moved with her husband Bill to Hilton Head, SC. In 2005, Helen Marie and Bill returned home to Savannah to live at The Marshes of Skidaway Island.
Helen Marie was a devoted lifelong member of the Catholic Church, and a parishioner of St. James Church. Her sweet smile and caring nature kept her on a constant watch for someone she could help in some way. Most important in her life were her family, faith, and friends.
Helen Marie was preceded in death by her brother Dr. Edward James Whelan, Jr. and sister Jacqueline Whelan Colcock. She is survived by her husband William S. Doolan Sr.; her children William S. Doolan Jr. of Savannah, GA, James P. Doolan Stephanie of Seymour, IN, Cindy D. Murphy Walter of Savannah, GA, Shelley M. Doolan of Taylors, SC, Brent W. Doolan Cindy of Charlotte, NC, Colleen D. Gilmore Chatt of Spartanburg, SC, and C. Suzanne Doolan of Atlanta, GA; and twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother-in-law E. Eloy Doolan Connie and sister-in-law Beth N. Whelan, and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the care and compassion provided by the staff at The Marshes, The Oaks, and Hospice Savannah.
Visitation: 5:00pm-7:00pm, Sunday, May 29, 2011 at Fox and Weeks Hodgson Chapel with rosary service at 6:00pm.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 am, Monday, May 30, 2011 at St. James Catholic Church with the Reverend Mark Ross, celebrant. Interment will follow at the Catholic Cemetery.
Remembrances: St. Vincent's Academy, Benedictine Military School, or donor's choice.
Please sign our online guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom to all of the Doolan children. I only just met her a couple of years back on one of my many return visits to Savannah and Tybee. I also met your Dad and they were both very cordial and sweet. I am a friend of William jr. and was glad I finally met his parents. My condolences to you as well Mr. William Doolan as I am sure there could be almost no loss greater...
- Tamara Holt, Bath, ME
Dear Doolan family, On the eve of the birthday of my late sister, Aimee Lee Speckner, I was trying to find her best friends online and hoping to find out where life had taken them. That search led me to this obituary for your lovely mother. Memories of times shared with Suzanne, Brent, Colleen, and Shelley always make me smile. My sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother. I wish you all the best. Sincerely, Beth
- Beth Speckner Heavin, Greenwood, IN
May God grant you comfort and peace in your loss. The family is in our prays.
- Earnest and Joyce Deason, Havana, FL
Dear Bill,Cindy and Families, Our deepest sympathy is extended to all on your loss.We are sorry that circumstances prevent us from being with you on this sad ocassion.You will be in our prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Helen was an amazing mother, grandmother, nurse, and all-around humanitarian. I am blessed to have known her. One story that stands out for me is the time my son young Jimmy Doolan broke his leg playing soccer. When big Jim called Helen she wanted to know all the details, and she even wanted to know all of Dr. Laitinen's the orthopedic surgeon in Seymour credentials. Next, she wanted Dr. Laitinen to have a consultation with her nephew who was also a doctor. After hearing that his leg could possibly be a 1/2 in. shorter or longer after the surgery, Helen promptly said in her beautiful southern accent 'that is not acceptable, I want his leg perfect just as it was when he was born!' She further stated that if little Jimmy had to be flown to Savannah to have it done she would do it. I loved her tenacity and spirit; and needless to say, the surgery got done the right way. Thank you Helen and God Bless you!
- Liz Larrison, Seymour, IN
Mom, you will be missed by Dad,all of your children,grandchildren,great grandchildren,and everybody that ever met you. I'm glad that you don't have to suffer any more. You can now join your father,mother,brother,and sister who have been waiting on you.May you have eternal rest.I hope that one day that I am able to be with you again. I will always Love you and I'm glad that I was called by God to spend your last hours holding your hand and trying to comfort you. I glad that I was able to get Dad to be by your side before you took your last breath. Billy your first of seven childrenPlease watch over me and my children,grandchildren and your family as you did while you were here on earth.
- bill doolan jr., savannah, GA
My most sincere sympathy is sent your way. I will always fondly remember Helen, her strength and her grace. While visiting her home on Windemere Dr. in Seymour she had just returned from shopping for her large family. I observed a huge bottle of store-brand shampoo. Helen told me her secret of refilling the existing brand-name bottles already in the showers and baths with the bargain shampoo. She laughed and said to me, 'they'll never know and please don't tell them!'
- Jan Pollen, Niceville, FL
My mother a long term resident at The Oaks and I will greatly miss Mrs. Doolan. She and Mr. Doolan made life much brighter. My favorite memory is a recent conversation in which I inquired how many children she and Mr. Doolan had. She looked up at me and said very proudly 'Lots!' and promptly lit up the room with a radiant smile. Mrs. Doolan has been an inspiration to many. I am so grateful to have met her. Her quiet, positive, upbeat presence cannot be replaced but the blessings of having met her will remain with all of us. May she dance in Heaven.
- Jan Langston, Savannah, GA
Sorry for the loss of the greatest person in your lives. She will be well remembered by all whom she shared her love.
- Janice Storey, Rutherfordton, NC
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom to all of the Doolan children. I only just met her a couple of years back on one of my many return visits to Savannah and Tybee. I also met your Dad and they were both very cordial and sweet. I am a friend of William jr. and was glad I finally met his parents. My condolences to you as well Mr. William Doolan as I am sure there could be almost no loss greater...
- Tamara Holt, Bath, ME
Dear Doolan family, On the eve of the birthday of my late sister, Aimee Lee Speckner, I was trying to find her best friends online and hoping to find out where life had taken them. That search led me to this obituary for your lovely mother. Memories of times shared with Suzanne, Brent, Colleen, and Shelley always make me smile. My sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother. I wish you all the best. Sincerely, Beth
- Beth Speckner Heavin, Greenwood, IN
May God grant you comfort and peace in your loss. The family is in our prays.
- Earnest and Joyce Deason, Havana, FL
Dear Bill,Cindy and Families, Our deepest sympathy is extended to all on your loss.We are sorry that circumstances prevent us from being with you on this sad ocassion.You will be in our prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Helen was an amazing mother, grandmother, nurse, and all-around humanitarian. I am blessed to have known her. One story that stands out for me is the time my son young Jimmy Doolan broke his leg playing soccer. When big Jim called Helen she wanted to know all the details, and she even wanted to know all of Dr. Laitinen's the orthopedic surgeon in Seymour credentials. Next, she wanted Dr. Laitinen to have a consultation with her nephew who was also a doctor. After hearing that his leg could possibly be a 1/2 in. shorter or longer after the surgery, Helen promptly said in her beautiful southern accent 'that is not acceptable, I want his leg perfect just as it was when he was born!' She further stated that if little Jimmy had to be flown to Savannah to have it done she would do it. I loved her tenacity and spirit; and needless to say, the surgery got done the right way. Thank you Helen and God Bless you!
- Liz Larrison, Seymour, IN
Mom, you will be missed by Dad,all of your children,grandchildren,great grandchildren,and everybody that ever met you. I'm glad that you don't have to suffer any more. You can now join your father,mother,brother,and sister who have been waiting on you.May you have eternal rest.I hope that one day that I am able to be with you again. I will always Love you and I'm glad that I was called by God to spend your last hours holding your hand and trying to comfort you. I glad that I was able to get Dad to be by your side before you took your last breath. Billy your first of seven childrenPlease watch over me and my children,grandchildren and your family as you did while you were here on earth.
- bill doolan jr., savannah, GA
My most sincere sympathy is sent your way. I will always fondly remember Helen, her strength and her grace. While visiting her home on Windemere Dr. in Seymour she had just returned from shopping for her large family. I observed a huge bottle of store-brand shampoo. Helen told me her secret of refilling the existing brand-name bottles already in the showers and baths with the bargain shampoo. She laughed and said to me, 'they'll never know and please don't tell them!'
- Jan Pollen, Niceville, FL
My mother a long term resident at The Oaks and I will greatly miss Mrs. Doolan. She and Mr. Doolan made life much brighter. My favorite memory is a recent conversation in which I inquired how many children she and Mr. Doolan had. She looked up at me and said very proudly 'Lots!' and promptly lit up the room with a radiant smile. Mrs. Doolan has been an inspiration to many. I am so grateful to have met her. Her quiet, positive, upbeat presence cannot be replaced but the blessings of having met her will remain with all of us. May she dance in Heaven.
- Jan Langston, Savannah, GA
Sorry for the loss of the greatest person in your lives. She will be well remembered by all whom she shared her love.
- Janice Storey, Rutherfordton, NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
