Helen Marie Sullivan

Helen Marie Ryan Sullivan, a 40-year Piedmont resident, passed away peacefully at their family ranch in her home-state of Montana, with her devoted husband, Bill Sullivan, and children by her side, April 25, 2014. Helen and Bill Sullivan were married for nearly 60 years and owned the Montclair Pharmacy in Oakland for 50 years. She was an integral part of building their family business. They met while she was Manager of KANA Radio Station in their hometown of Anaconda, MT. Previously, she was Secretary to the Montana Radio & Television Broadcaster's Association and Administrative Assistant at the FBI. She was a graduate of Woodbury University in Los Angeles, CA. and Anaconda High School. A loving mother and grandmother, she took great pride in her family: Joe, Carol & Ryan Sullivan formerly of Oakland, now of Grass Valley; Laurice (Sullivan), Joe, Kelly & Allison Salamack, formerly of Oakland, now of Johnstown, New York and New York City; and Mary Alice (Sullivan), Tim, Billy & Tommy McNeil of Piedmont. She was the consummate matriarch; a beautiful decorator, gracious hostess and gourmet chef. Her family relied on her for daily perspectives and humor. Helen was involved in numerous community organizations throughout her life, served on the first School Board for Corpus Christi School, President of the Oakland-Piedmont Republican Assembly, President of the East Bay Opera League, Board Member of Palm Branch of Children's Hospital, and Honorary Member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. She enjoyed the fellowship of civic leadership and making an impact in the lives of others. Helen was a Montana State Tennis Champion and avid tennis player throughput her life. She played on the Piedmont Ladies Tennis Ladder and enjoyed mixed doubles with her husband. She was also a champion figure skater in her early years. Helen was the daughter of the late Thomas F. & Mary Kelly Ryan; sister to Doris & Stephen Smollack and Tom & MaryJo Ryan; and sister-in-law to Shirley & Joe Kudzia. She leaves behind numerous nieces & nephews. Helen was interred at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Anaconda, MT on April 28, 2014. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Corpus Christ Church in Piedmont at 4 pm on May 1, 2014 and homecoming reception to follow at their family residence in Piedmont. She was a devout Catholic. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Corpus Christi Church, the Piedmont Beautification Foundation or the charity of your choice.

Graveside Service

APR 28. 11:00 AM (MDT)

Mount Olivet Cemetery 5th St. & Poplar St. Anaconda, MT 59711

Mass of Christian Burial

MAY 1. 4:00 PM (PDT)

Corpus Christi Church Piedmont, CA