Helen Gaffigan Obituary

Helen Gaffigan, 87, passed away peacefully on August 3 at her home in Myrtle Beach. Born in New York on June 21, 1938 to Tom and Marion Mahoney, Helen grew up in Jackson Heights with her brothers Philip and Thomas, and that is where she developed the compassionate spirit that would define her life's work. In 1960, Helen married the love of her life, Tim, whom she met at the Irish-American Club in Queens. Together they raised four sons – Timothy (Donna), Thomas (Caroline), James (Lorraine), and Terence (Christa) – born between 1961 and 1966. Helen was outnumbered in her household of boys, though she was never overmatched because of her confident personality. Her characteristic wisdom was discerning, incisive, and often humorous. Balancing her roles as devoted wife, mother and professional, she worked night shifts for many years to ensure she could be present for her children during the day. Her commitment to her husband and sons was always first and foremost. After graduating from St. Clare's Nursing School in Manhattan, Helen embarked on a distinguished nursing career spanning six decades. Her dedication took her from emergency rooms to leadership roles, from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,a position she cherished for its opportunity to care for the most vulnerable patients, to specialized nursing for the elderly, and even certification for air care emergencies. She served faithfully for many years at Hackettstown Hospital in New Jersey, and later after Helen and Tim's move from Long Valley, New Jersey to Myrtle Beach, at Grand Strand Medical Center, and Conway Medical Center. All the while she touched the lives of patients and co-workers alike through her skilled care, sharp mind, and sense of humor. Her greatest joy in recent years came from her beloved grandchildren – Ryan (Erica), James (Karina) and Cristy – who brought immense happiness to her life. She was also a dog-lover who afforded great lives to a series of rescues, Cinnamon, Chloe, and Daisy. Helen was a woman of deep faith, and was a long-time member of Our Lady of the Mountain Church in Long Valley, New Jersey, and later St. Michael's in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Before she passed, Helen advised all her family, extended family, and friends to remember the good times and to laugh! Helen was pre-deceased by her husband, Tim. She is survived by her sons Timothy, Thomas, James and Terence, by her brother, Thomas, and her grandchildren, Ryan, James, and Cristy. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held for her at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 542 Cypress Ave., Garden City, SC 29576 on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Conway. Please sign the family's guestbook at: www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.