Obituary of Helen Cannon Seader

Helen was born to George and Grace Cannon on April 5, 1928 in Cincinnati, OH. Look out world, this little baby had red hair and was 100% Irish!!! She had an older sister June and older brother Richard. She was the only family member to live to see 70 years of age. She still had to hold more grandchildren - Danielle, Chad, Jennifer, Lauren, Dustin, Ashley, Joey, Caitlyn, Kalli, Alyssa, Matt, Mary Grace, Elizabeth, Brett, Catherine, and her great-Ethan. It was all about the babies!! Her baby, your baby, any baby. Her newspaper obit stated that her accomplishments and adventures were too extensive to list. This is so true, even a Cliff's Notes version couldn't do her justice. Those who knew her knew the charity and goodness in her heart. Her faith led her to The Catholic University of America where she met Phil Seader. And the best adventure began. After graduation Helen returned to Cincy while Phil continued with his degree. During that time he wrote her letters every day, hundreds of them. Moving to Tucson in 1959, Helen began her legacy. The dictionary of the last century didn't have stranger danger, community organizer, reaching across the aisle, reality shows, or fair and balanced. Helen did all that before anyone even thought of the terms. But it did have Volunteer - and if there was a picture next to the definition it would have been Helen's with her smiling face. The picture on her obit for everyone to see was taken at an Assisteens Tux and Boots gala with a granddaughter, a new generation of volunteering. Her strong faith and conservative values eventually led her to politics. Again, it was all about the babies. THE RIGHT TO LIFE!! She crossed the USA attending conventions, marches, demonstrations, sit-ins, picketing the White House, praying the rosary at abortion clinics, and even being arrested. She founded crisis pregnancy centers, taught catechism, fitted little boys with their very own first pair of shoes for their 1st communion, delivered new toys on Christmas Eve, and was even able to speak in the public high schools. Most people are impressed with celebrities. Helen was our celebrity!! She graced the room - even if it was filled with presidents, potential presidents, movie stars, singers, bishops, archbishops, sport stars, etc. You name it, they were there. She sang "I've Got You, Babe" with Sonny Bono on the floor of the Republican National Convention in Houston. Again it was all about the babies!!! Helen ran for public office for AZ House of Representatives. She was the most qualified with her background but the newspapers wouldn't endorse her because of her stand on the right to life at birth and at death. She said at one of her talks that if she lost the election but saved just one baby that it would have been worth it!!! Again, it was all about the babies!! Along the way our mom opened the door for all of us to see what a special person she was. And boy, did she open the door!!! We have an "elevator door" and the brown front door was the lobby revolving door. Any one in need could come and sleep on the couch, or leave their baby to be spoiled in her care. Again, it was all about the babies! This could go on for pages, but you will have to wait for the book and movie version to come out! Helen always wanted to write a book, and started one. Now it will be continued by her children and grandchildren. That was in another fortune cookie on August 30!! Her faith got her through the last 9 months since her beloved Phil entered Heaven 2 days before his birthday. She entered Heaven 2 days before their 61st wedding anniversary. She got through the separation by reading his love letters over and over, saying he will only by away for a short time. She thought every young man should read those letters to show how to treat a lady. She smiled at that thought. She never cried. And she laughed every time he talked to her - because he was laughing at her getting stuck with all the kids!!!! Again, it's all about the babies!!!