SINSINAWA — Dominican Sister Helen Hayes (Margaret Cortona), died Jan. 30, 2010, at St. Dominic Villa, Sinsinawa. The funeral Mass was held in Queen of the Rosary Chapel at Sinsinawa Feb. 3, 2010, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Helen made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican Aug. 5, 1956. She taught English and religion in high schools; served as grant writer and development staff; ministered as pastoral associate; and served as chancellor of the Diocese of Gary, Ind., where she implemented a ministry formation program. Sr. Helen served in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana and Florida.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Helen ministered at Edgewood High, Madison, as a teacher, 1957-1963 and 1964-1966, and as the director of development, 1985-1987.
Sister Helen was born Feb. 16, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pa., the daughter of John Andrew and Helen (Maynes) Hayes. The family later lived in Chevy Case, Md. Her parents and one brother, John Francis Hayes, preceded her in death. She is survived by nieces, nephews, and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared life for 53 years.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or online at www.sinsinawa.org by clicking on “Donate to Us,” then “Honors and Memorials.”
Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Helen are available online at www.ustream.tv/Sinsinawa