- Date Of Birth: June 18, 1921
- Date Of Death: April 25, 2014
- State: Montana
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.
