Helen Catherine Prior

Helen Catherine Prior, 92, peacefully passed away, being called to her heavenly home on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, after a long struggle with Dementia. In her last years, she lived with her youngest daughter, Annette Marie Prior-Perez, Carlos (her husband) and their family, in Coral Springs, Florida. She was born April 2, 1932, in Miami, Florida - one of the very few native Miamians. Her parents were Irene Catherine d'Eon and Philip Raymond Porter who came to Miami from Nova Scotia, Canada. She graduated from Gesu High School in Miami, Florida in 1950 where she was part of the yearbook and school paper staff. Helen was known in high school as "Little Bit" and in her senior year won the title of "Best All Around". Helen married her sweetheart Robert (Bob) George Prior, Jr that same year on August 18, 1950. Helen and Bob set up their home in Hialeah, Florida where they lived for 43 years raising their five children. Both were very involved in their children's lives and school activities which included numerous sporting events, cheer and dance team practices, school science projects and award ceremonies. Helen and Bob were members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hialeah which also had a school attended by all five of the children. She was a charter member of the church's Women's Club, was involved in many church activities and church school functions including banquets and the annual carnival. Helen taught catechism (CCD) to those new to the Catholic faith and students awaiting confirmation. Both she and Bob served as Eucharistic Ministers as well as Lectors at Immaculate. Helen was known for her love and expertise making crafts. She used this creative talent when she was a volunteer teacher at a local public school teaching special needs children. This earned her "The Unsung Hero Award" by the Miami News on June 14, 1976. She was active with her husband Bob visiting the sick at Hialeah Hospital for over a decade where Helen was known as a "Pink Lady". Helen was an accomplished seamstress who mended everything as needed and made dresses each year for special events which included both prom and homecoming dances. Her creativity was admired by all in the many banners she created for both church functions and weddings for family and friends. She was also a great cook and talented cake decorator- making cakes and treats for any and all occasions. Everyone enjoyed receiving one of Helen's special cakes. When Bob retired after almost 40 years with Southern Bell, they left their Hialeah roots and moved to Wellington, Florida in 1993. Helen and Bob quickly started serving with a local church's Homeless Ministry preparing food and feeding those who were living on the streets. They joined Christ Fellowship, located in Royal Palm Beach, where they worshiped and served for many years. Both were active as Greeters, volunteers preparing food for church events, attended regular home small group Bible Studies and were involved in other church outreach activities. Everyone knew Bob and Helen and that their life was full of love from both family and friends. She loved our Lord Jesus Christ and it was evident in her life. She was always kind, loving, always included everyone, and was ready to help anyone. Prayer and Bible study were first on her and Bob's daily routine list providing a wonderful example of Christian living. She will be remembered with love by her surviving children Kathleen Ann Fallon (Gary), Robert Charles Prior (Denise), John Alan Prior (Jennifer), Mary Beth Key (John-belated), and Annette Prior-Perez (Carlos); 19 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews, many other extended family members and friends from over the many years. Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bob, 89, who went to be with the Lord on February 25, 2020, (they were married for 69 years), her parents, and her five siblings: Rose Marie Morris, Philip Charles Porter, Raymond Paul Porter, John Robert Porter and Josephine Theresa O'Conner. Helen's Celebration of Life will be held at Palms West Funeral Home and Crematory located at 110 Business Park Way, Royal Palm Beach, FL with a visitation from 11a-12p and the service at 12 noon on Thursday June 6, 2024, followed by the burial at Out Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery close to the Funeral home. The family will have a reception after the burial. We know Jesus welcomed His faithful servant Helen into His Kingdom where we will see her, Bob and their infant son who died a few days after birth. "Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the Joy of your Lord." Matthew 25:23 ****************************************************************************** A Celebration of Life Reception will be held following the burial at Wellington Community Center 12150 Forrest Hill Blvd. Wellington, FL 2pm - 4:30pm