Helen T Gambon
With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and
aunt, Helen Therese Gambon (O'Shea.) She passed away peacefully after a brief illness at the age of 95 on May 6, 2026, in
Waukesha, WI. She lived a full and active life, cherished her family and friends, loved everything Irish and was often the life of the
party.
Helen was born on August 16, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois, to Dennis and Nora (Lydon) O'Shea.
Helen worked for Waukesha County Technical College as a secretary for over 20 years. She made many contributions,
connections, and long-standing friendships in her time there. After her retirement in 1997, she spent her time volunteering and
spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was active with her grandchildren's life, taking them to Irish dance, roller
skating, swim lessons, the local library, zoo and the children's theatre. She enjoyed supporting the arts and attending concerts at the
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts and Irish Fest, where she volunteered for many years. She found profound meaning
through her volunteer efforts. Her most treasured volunteer experience was collecting and distributing donations for underprivileged
students, and reading to the classes.
Throughout Helen's life she was an avid walker, whether in rain or snow, to which she attributed her longevity. Being well read, she
could easily strike up a conversation with anyone and speak on many subjects. Helen had a robust interest in Genealogy leading to
her locating her son Jim's birth family, culminating in a trip to meet many of his new relatives in Ireland and the states. She stated
that connecting Jim with his biological family was her greatest accomplishment. She enjoyed hosting the annual family Christmas
Eve celebration at her festively decorated apartment. She kept in touch with her former coworkers at WCTC and enjoyed many
retirement brunches with them. As an art enthusiast, she enjoyed decorating her apartment. Her love of art was echoed in her
wardrobe, often wearing colorful patterns and jewelry to match. She was actively engaged in posting and communicating via
Facebook, and was known for daily updates of the art images she posted on her cover page.
Helen is survived by her children, James (Laura) Gambon and Sheila (Brent) Wilson. She was blessed with grandchildren, James
and William Gambon, Krista Cannon, and Sean, Ashley, and Michael (Hannah) Wilson. Further blessed with great grandchildren:
Sierra Cannon, Evangeline Lintvedt, and Micah Wilson. She was preceded in death by her ex-husband; James Eugene Gambon,
her Irish immigrant parents; Dennis and Nora (Lydon) O'Shea, her sisters; Ann (Hugh) Donohoe and Mary (Vincent) Hart, and
brothers; Thomas O'Shea and John (Barbara) O'Shea, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
Helen will be greatly missed by all those she touched with her generosity, kindness and smile.