Helen Mary Occhipinti, known by friends as “Mae”, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family, on Dec 6, 2023, under the loving care of Hospice, at only 90 years young.
Helen was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 22, 1933, to the late Paul Joseph Mahoney and Helen (Carty) Mahoney. She raised her family in South Weymouth, MA , before moving to Inverness, Florida in 1983. She developed many friendships at the Italian Social Club, recalling the joy of dance and renewing the uplifting spirit of laughter. She also enjoyed volunteering at Our Lady of Fatima Church, sharing her smile and kindness with parishioners and clergy, extending a helping hand where needed.
Helen was foremost a mother. Over the years, she lovingly watched her family grow, praying for us daily, hoping her light would be enough to show us the way home to all that is true. For to nurture God’s seeds of love, takes a Great Love only a beloved mother knows. The flower of her being will continue to fill the world with the scent and presence of all that is good and pure. Love never ceases to grow on a vine watered with kindness and a smile that beams like the sun’s golden rays. Her voice will still echo amid the soft rustle of many wind-blown leaves, dangling on thin, spindly branches of tall trees, just waiting for us to wave back to her in return. At twilight, she will sparkle alongside the very best in us, taking her place among those stars who earned the rightful name of Mom. Heaven misses His children, and so joyfully she goes, and is welcomed Home, to the Rainbow of Peace and the Freedom called Love.
Her memory will be cherished by family. Her sons; Robert Zumbahlen (Kim) of Ocala, Fl, and Michael Zumbahlen (Therese) of Fuquay-Varina, NC. Her daughters; Cheryl Saltmarsh and Wendy Hanlon (Larry), both of Inverness, FL, and Theresa Giustini of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Her brother, Robert Mahoney of Halifax, MA. Her sisters; Kathleen and Margaret Mahoney, both of Inverness, FL. Her stepchildren; Joseph Occhipinti and Janet Catherwood. As well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by; her parents, Paul J. and Helen Mahoney; two husbands, Charles Zumbahlen and John Occhipinti; her son, Charles Joseph Zumbahlen; three brothers, John T. Mahoney, Paul Joseph Mahoney, Jr, and Sheldon Mahoney; her son-in-law, John Saltmarsh; and her granddaughter, Jennifer L. Saltmarsh, as well as many, many dear friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, December 15th, at 10 am at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Inverness, officiated by Fr. Claudis Mganga, celebrant. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the Chas.E.Davis Funeral Home on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 14th from 3-5 pm. Prayer service will begin at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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