Mary Helen Allison

Mary Helen Allison, 84, left us on February 25, 2013. Born on April 14, 1928 in Bisbee, AZ to Camen Villegas and Lauro Montijo. She is survived by her son, Michael Kelly Allison (Cecilia); grandchildren, Stephanie Jacobs, Rosemary Willhoit, Michael P. Allison and Felicia Allison; great-grandchildren, Angelina Willhoit, Kolton Willhoit and Ruby Jacobs; nieces, Nellie Jo Hendricks, Cecelia Smerz, Carmen Preciado, Elizabeth Harris, Margaret Montano, Patricia Knutson; nephew, Bill Eyrich; 16 grandnieces, grandnephews and their respective children. She graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in 1950 and received both her Bachelor of Nursing Degree and Masters in Public Health from the University of Arizona. Mary Helen worked as an ER nurse and supervisor at St. Mary’s Hospital for many years. She held various positions in nursing at MUSD, Pima County Hospital, Carl Hayden Hospital and as Instructor of Nursing at Pima Community College for 20 years. Her passionate love of nursing was instilled in her students and continues to be practiced today. Her many accomplishments include tutoring nursing graduates to assist in passing State Board Exams. She was very passionate on helping students achieve their dreams in this noble profession. Mary Helen had a fervent love and faith in God which she openly shared with others. She embraced everyday and saw the good in people. Her loving smile and positive outlook on life was contagious and uplifting. Our loving mother, aunt and friend will be forever remembered for her love of God, family, especially the children and her kindness, compassion and love of humanity. Visitation will be on Friday, March 1, 2013 beginning with a private family viewing at 4:00 p.m. followed by a public visitation at 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. followed by personal testimonials at Martinez Funeral Chapels, 2580 S. 6th Ave. Mass will be on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Most Holy Trinity Church, 1300 N. Greasewood, Tucson, AZ at 9:00 a.m. Burial will be at Holy Hope Cemetery followed by a reception at La Fuente Restaurant, 1749 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson, AZ. www.martinezfuneralchapels.com