Helen Mulholland

Helen T. Mulholland (nee McTaggart), 73, of Drexel Hill, PA passed away on February 16, 2022.

Born October 16th, 1948, in Dumbarton, Scotland to E. Josephine and Patrick McTaggart, Helen and family emigrated to the U.S. when she was nine years old. They settled in a home on Copley Road in St. Alice parish of Upper Darby, PA. It was in that neighborhood that Helen met Tom. He would drive her older brother, Patrick, to school at Monsignor Bonner. One day Tom invited Helen to hop in, and the rest is history.

Settling in Drexel Hill just across the street from St. Bernadette’s, Helen and Tom raised their family with gentle guidance and dedication. Whether it was cheering in the stands as Dan pitched for Villanova, driving to Annapolis to hand deliver a care package to Tom, or watching Heather graduate from Jefferson and go on to become a registered nurse, they were always there proudly looking on. Heather’s career path was fortuitous; she helped her mother navigate a years-long cancer diagnosis requiring countless appointments and hospitalizations and lovingly cared for her at home when the illness had taken its toll.

Helen and Tom’s second act was that of doting grandparents to their nine grandchildren. Helen volunteered to babysit countless times. As toddlers they could have been tyrants, but when the parents arrived home, Helen’s assessment never wavered, she’d report, “They were good as gold.” The grandkids could always count on Helen and Tom whether it was a school concert, a dance recital, or a game. They were a fixture at the local games where they would greet the other parents on the sidelines as Tom would set up Helen’s chair. Helen’s favorite holiday, Christmas, included mountains of wrapping paper and endless smiles. Spoiled was an understatement. Seeing the joy on her grandchildren’s faces was the only gift she needed.

After Tom’s passing in 2017, Helen continued to support the grandchildren in their various endeavors, despite an illness that made it increasingly difficult to do so. And that was because being a loving and dedicated Mom-Mom was quite literally what she lived for.

The love she showed others throughout her life was reflected back in her final days. Family and friends came from near and far to simply hold her hand and whisper loving words as she slept peacefully. Upon hearing the voices of her grandkids, she would open her eyes and smile; making them feel special was her way. Helen will be sorely missed but we find great comfort in the faithful knowledge that she is now reunited with Tom and at peace.

Helen was the beloved wife of the late Thomas P. Mulholland; the loving mother of Heather (John) Maccarone, Tom (Lauren), and Dan (Jane). She was the cherished sister of Patrick (Beth), Anne (Dave) Fili, and Dan (Denise) and the loving Mom-Mom of Thomas, Tyler, James, Alisyn, John, Dennis, Charles, Andrew, and Kylie. Helen is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation, Thursday evening, February 24, 2022,

6:00 – 8:00 PM and Friday 9:00 – 10:00 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA  19073, 610-353-6300.  Funeral Mass, Friday morning, February 25, 2022, 10:30 AM at St. Bernadette of Lourdes Church, 1035 Turner Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA  19026.  Interment Calvary Cemetery, Conshohocken, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Penn Medicine’s Rena Rowan Breast Center at https://giving.apps.upenn.edu/fund?program=MC&fund=600270&appeal=PMWEB