SISTER HELENA MONAHAN, C.C.V.I.
May 1, 1942 – September 19, 2025

Sister Helena Monahan entered eternal life on September 19, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born on May 1, 1942, in St. Louis to Helen (O'Mara) and James Lawrence Monahan. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in 1960 and professed firsts vows in 1963 and perpetual vows in 1968.

Sister Helena earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio; a Ph.D. in English at St. Louis University, St. Louis; and a Doctor of Jurisprudence at the University of Houston.

She taught at St. Francis Xavier, Taos, St. Dismas, Florissant, Immaculate Conception, and Jefferson City schools (all in Missouri) as well as Our Lady of the Valley in El Paso, Texas, prior to pursuing graduate degrees. She then served in various capacities at the University of the Incarnate Word: English Professor, Assistant to the President, Executive Vice-President, Legal Counsel, and Chancellor. She spent a year as an ACE Fellow at St. Olaf College, Minnesota. She also served as the Province and Congregational Leader in the Congregation. Later, she was the President at Incarnate Word Academy, St. Louis, and at the time of her death, was Project Manager at Incarnate Word Foundation, St. Louis.

She dedicated her life to the service of the poor, the education of young people, care for the natural world, and the dignity of immigrants. She connected people across the world and spread love to all those she met, whose lives were made immeasurably more joyous for having known her.

Helena loved her extended family, who were spoiled by her generosity and willingness to see the best in all of us. She is survived by her brother, Jim (Monika); nieces and nephews Andrea (Steve) Wieselman, Jim (Jim Peppler) Monahan, Kris Monahan, Jenny Monahan, Peter (Jenny Song) Monahan, Geralyn (Sam) Murphy, Joe (Lesa) Moran, Patty Moran (Mike Manna); and numerous great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Helen Moran; nephew, Frank Moran; and her parents, James L. and Helen Monahan.

Visitation at Collier's Funeral Home, 3400 Lindbergh, on September 24 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral mass at St. Pius V Catholic Church, 3310 S. Grand, on September 25 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sister Helena's memory may be made to the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, 4503 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 or Incarnate Word Academy at 2788 Normandy Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63121.

May she rest in peace