Helen Mary (Keough) Hannon

HANNON, Helen Mary (Keough) - 1920-2006. Died at St. John's on November 22, 2006. Born and raised in Calvert, NL and prior to her death, the last surviving member of the family of Josephine (Maher) and Joseph Keough. Predeceased by her husband Frank; her parents, six brothers and sisters (Blanche, Mary Wakeham, Frances Woodrow, Bertha Morry, Michael, Phil) and nephew Bill Keough. At a time when fishing families in the Dominion had few resources and most females were raised to marry, Helen "took to learning". She attended the highest grade available at the two-room school in Calvert and as a young girl, traveled to St. John's to attend St. Bride's College, where she received her Honors Matriculation certificate in 1935. After Littledale, she studded at Memorial University College and completed the two year arts and science program. In order to advance her understanding of effective pedagogy and provide support to her family, she taught in various locations throughout the island, including Calvert, Petty Harbour, Deer Lake, Holyrood and St. John's. In 1957, Helen received her B.A. (Ed.) from Memorial University. In 1965 she returned to the University of Toronto where she earned a M.Ed., and later attended the University of Tours in France. Madame Hannon taught throughout the province for 38 years, and retired from St. Patrick's Girls School in 1979. Helen is survived by her sister-in-law Kay Keough, many nieces and nephews in Newfoundland, throughout Canada and the United States, former students, fellow parishioners at the Basilica, and friends. Her niece, Janet Hogan, made it possible for her to maintain her independence and live in her own home for many years after she suffered a debilitating illness. Helen will be remembered for her faith, generosity, love of language and learning. Resting at Caul's Funeral Home, LeMarchant Road. Visitation Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Funeral Mass on Monday, November 27, 2006 at a time to be announced from the Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in her memory may be made to the Basilica Parish.