Helen Maloney

HOUSTON, DE - Helen Sherwood Maloney passed away peacefully on March 13, 2021 at Bayhealth Sussex Campus. She was 86 years old.

Helen was born on a farm in Houston, DE to the late Homer Sr, and Ethel Sherwood.

Helen graduated from Harrington High School in 1953 and Milford Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1956. Her love for surgical nursing took her to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC to further her education. However, she became homesick and returned home after 6 months to begin her career at Milford Memorial Hospital for the next 55 years. Helen worked in various surgical departments but her true love was in the recovery room where she worked for most of her career. She was one of the first nurses to be certified in her specialty of Postanesthesia Nursing. She took pride in this and joined the ASPAN association where she served on the board in various positions. Additionally, she worked evenings for many years at Milford Manor. Helen touched the lives of more people than we could ever count and was known for wearing her traditional nursing attire including her nurse’s hat. When she was preparing for her retirement, she worked part-time for Luis David, MD.  There, she cared for many sick, and well, children.  In November of 2018, after 18 years, Dr. David and Helen decided it was time for them to officially retire together. Along with her many years of service at Milford Memorial/Bayhealth, Helen also served each year in the First Aid for the Delaware State Fair/Harrington Harness Racing.  Helen retired from that position in July of 2018 after 42 years of service.

More than anything, Helen cherished her family; from her own children, down to her great-grandkids.  You could find her in the kitchen every Saturday preparing for Sunday dinner where her family would all gather after church.  Helen enjoyed Saturday evening dinners with her brother, sister, and brother-in-law.  Helen's grandkids always enjoyed her New Year’s Eve party that they shared with her for many years.  She looked forward to her monthly gatherings with old nursing friends.  Helen also enjoyed monthly lunches with her Sherwood cousins.  If lunch or dinner was mentioned, you can bet Helen was ready to ride. The Harrington High School Alumni, where she was the class historian of 1953, was another favorite pastime of Helen's.  She loved to hear from her classmates and talk with them about their family and accomplishments throughout the year.

Helen was a member of Pilgrim Chapel for many years.  She liked singing in the choir and singing a trio with her sister, Phyllis, and brother-in-law, Joe.   Helen also attended Calvary Wesleyan Church where she was able to worship with her children.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters Betty Sherwood, Alice Rawding, Evelyn Melvin, Ruth Martini, and Florence Fry, and brothers Daniel Sherwood, and, most recently, Homer “Franklin” Sherwood Jr. - her best friend, dinner date, and chauffeur.  She is also preceded in death by her infant son "Little Timmy" Maloney, late husband, Wayne E. Maloney, and faithful four-legged companion, Lexi.

She is survived by her four children, Jill Tatman (Ronald) of Milford, Patrick Maloney (Jackie) of Houston, Eric Maloney (Dawn) of Houston, and Kelley Maloney (Timothy Sr.) of Houston. She had 11 grandchildren, Todd Maloney, Tabethia Maloney (Dave), Timothy Maloney Jr., Shannon Maloney (Ricky), Kaila Muncy (Josh), Amanda Hobbs (Garret), Terra Eby (Daniel), Trevor Maloney (Melinda), Brooklyn Maloney, Katie Gilmore (Wesley), Deanna Maloney (James), Anthony Brooks, and Derrick Brooks.  Helen had 7 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Helen is also survived by her beloved caregiver, Delima “Sally” Dawson.

The family will receive visitors at the Calvary Wesleyan Church, 240 Delaware Ave, Harrington, DE from 6PM to 8PM on Wednesday 3/17. The funeral service will be held on Thursday at 12PM. COVID precautions will be in place and social distancing will be maintained for safety.

Interment will take place at Hollywood Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.

Flowers can be sent to Rogers Funeral home in Milford, DE; or, in lieu of flowers, you can make a contribution in Helen's memory to Harrington High School Alumni Class of 1953, P.O. Box 37, Harrington, DE 19952.                       .