Helen Heape

Helen Veronica McCulloch Heape, 90, of Charleston, entered into eternal rest on June 12, 2013. She was born in Charleston on January 20, 1923, a daughter of the late Russell James and Margaret Fleming McCulloch. Helen graduated from Bishop England High School and Business school. She immediately went to work after graduation for Charleston County in the Clerk of Court's office and became secretary to the Clerk of Court Lloyd Fleming for twenty years until his retirement. The next sixteen years were spent as personal secretary to the late Honorable Judge Theodore Stoney. At the time of Judge Stoney's retirement she said, "I could never have a better boss" and she too retired. She married the late Charles Frank Heape and they were devoted to each other for 68 years. He was the love of her life and the same for him. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Margaret M. Joye and Louise M. Kingsbury; and her brother, Russell Christopher McCulloch. She was a gourmet cook, enjoyed reading cookbooks and making new recipes into family classics. She and "Frank" enjoyed spending time with friends and family, listening to music, dancing, laughing, and "cutting fool." Known as "Aunt Helen", (Aunt Hal) she was cherished and much loved by her family. Although she and Frank had no children, she was "mother" to her sister Louise's children JoAnn Garvin (John), John J. Nelson, Jr. (Debbie), Randall Ebner, Christine Pedersen and David O. Ebner, Jr. (Michelle). She loved and was proud of all of her nieces and nephews Diane J Rogers (Robert), Harry Joye, Jr. (Lisa), Susan M. Spurlock (David), Russell C. McCulloch (Gloria), Katherine M. Greene (Michael) and Betsy Biller (Lowell). She is also survived by many great-nieces and nephews, as well as great-great nieces and nephews, who treasured each and every moment spent with her. She will be deeply missed. She was a true classy southern lady also known as "Ms. Broad Street" for her charm and sense of fashion. She was always willing to give something to you to make your day better, easier, and happier. Her wit was unbelievable right up until the time she closed her eyes to be with her savior. The family wishes to express its deep appreciation for the excellent loving care and friendship given by the staff of Ashley River Plantation Senior Living. They became her second family. Family and Friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 15, 2013, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal will follow at Old St. Andrew's Parish Churchyard. The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the Service at the church. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston, SC 29407, Hospice of Charleston Foundation, 676 Wando Park Boulevard, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 or Old St. Andrew's Churchyard Fund, 2604 Ashley River Road Charleston, SC 29414.