Helena (Butler) McKiernan was born in Providence, RI on July 16, 1938 to James P. and Rose (Cabana) Butler. Helena fought a short but courageous battle with (MDS), a blood disorder. She passed away with family in attendance in Palm Coast, FL on August 9, 2016. She was a graduate of Blessed Sacrament School and St. Patrick's High School in 1956. Helena was an LPN having graduated from RI School of Practical Nursing. She was predeceased by her parents, two older brothers and one sister. She is survived by two older sisters Ann and Pauline of RI. She is also survived and sorely missed by her husband, Gerald, to whom she was married in Blessed Sacrament Church on Sept 16, 1959.

Helena and Gerald have five children. Kevin (Kim) of Butler, PA, LTC (Ret.) Brendan (Terri) of Ozark, MO, MG Brian (COL Sharon) of FT Sill, OK, Michael (Tutt) of Castleton, VA, and Moira Templeton (Chris) of Buford, GA. They have thirteen surviving grandchildren, Shannon and Chelsea McKiernan, Matthew, Ryann and Sean McKiernan, Natalie, Ariane, Brianna, and Bonnie McKiernan, and Aidan McKiernan, Christopher, Joshua, and Michaela Templeton. A fourteenth grandchild, Logan McKiernan, predeceased his grandmother.

Helena was an ideal Army wife, accompanying her husband after he returned to active duty in the early 70's to two tours in GA and two tours at the Pentagon. She was very active in the Officers' Wives Club. Following his retirement in 1989, Gerald and Helena moved to Daytona Beach, FL living in a condo on the Halifax River where Helena was known as the fisher-lady. They subsequently moved to a home in Palm Coast where Helena enjoyed her pool and lanai. Helena enjoyed cruising having taken more than 45 and also enjoyed visiting casinos where her luck was always better than her husband's.

Helena is sadly missed by her friends and family. Funeral arrangements are private. Helena's remains will be interred with her husband's at a later date in a National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Helena expressed her wish that contributions in her name be sent to Florida Hospital Hospice Memorial Brick Program, 770 W. Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.

Arrangements entrusted to Lohman Funeral Home Palm Coast. Additional condolences and memories are welcome to be shared with Helena's family via this online guestbook.