Obituary of Helen Smith McKeon

  Helen Smith McKeon passed away quietly in her sleep on August 3, 2022; she was 95 years old. Helen had been residing at NHC- Bluffton, SC after a fall in February 2022. She had previously resided at The Retreat at Lady's Island in Beaufort, SC for almost 3 years. Helen had been a long time resident of Rose Hill Plantation in Bluffton and was well known as a piano teacher in the area.

Helen taught piano for over 50 years, starting in Springfield, VA where she and her husband, Charles J. McKeon lived for most of their married life. While still living in the Washington DC area, Helen was a docent at The Kennedy Center and enjoyed meeting celebrities and Washington notables in her time there. One of her fondest memories was going to one of the Inaugural Balls for President Ronald Reagan, where she met Jimmy Stewart.

Helen and Chick moved to the Low Country in 1989. Helen was active in the Hilton Head Choral Society for many years, which she absolutely loved! Helen also had many other interests which included but were not limited to: Piano Teachers Society (she was President for many years), participated in Two Piano, Eight Hand duets, the Funds and Gains Stock Investors Group (which she helped to start), All Saints Episcopal Church member for 30 years, Beachwalk Guide on Burke's Beach, Garden Club, Annual Piano Competitions, Meals on Wheels, Humane Society, Heros on Horseback at Rose Hill Plantation, Docent at the Davenport House in Savannah, Olympics volunteer and much more. Her signature upswept hairdo and elegant way of dressing made her recognizable to many people.

Helen McKeon was born in Moorestown, New Jersey. Helen was married to Charles Joseph McKeon, who preceeded her in death in 2002, for over 50 years. She is survived by three children; Marsha McKeon Olderr of Hattiesburg, MS (married to Mark Olderr), Scott McKeon of Henrico, VA (married to Connie Haas McKeon), and Sandra McKeon Sullivan of Iron Mountain, MI (married to Kevin Sullivan). She had five grandchildren, Amy Barker Simmons of Poplarville,MS (married to Randy Simmons), Corey S. Barker of Odessa, FL, Jenniffer McKeon Skidmore of Berryville, VA (married to Grant Skidmore) and Emily McKeon Price of Centreville, VA (married to Mason Price), Katy Sullivan Sauceman of Belton, SC (married to Jeremy Sauceman), John Sullivan of Port Royal, SC (married to Heather Mann Sullivan), Joby Sullivan of Hancock, MI (married to Amanda Weide Sullivan). She is also survived by 10 Great Grandchildren, Madison Simmons Pizzettier (married to Josh Pizzettier), Anna Kate and Claire Sauceman;Adele Sullivan; Brooklyn, Liam, Hudson and Emmie Sullivan; and Audrey and Hadley Skidmore. She is also survived by her beloved Collie dog, Bryan.

A small private Memorial Service will be celebrated by her immediate family on August 20, 2022. Please make any donations in her name to the Humane Association of the Lowcountry at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, P O Box 23019, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29925.