Helen Koshey O'Connor

December 18, 1936 – September 20, 2025

Saratoga Springs, NY- Helen Koshey O'Connor, 88, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving daughters.

Born in Hamtramck, Michigan, to Ukrainian immigrant parents, Helen was genuinely proud of her heritage. She earned both her undergraduate and master's degrees from Wayne State University, where she studied chemistry and urban planning. Her passion for education and civic life led her to active involvement in Detroit politics, including her election to the Region 8 School Board. She worked in business development for many years and was an entrepreneur ahead of her time, creating an early version of an electronic medical record decades before they became commonplace.

Helen's life reflected both intellect and creativity. She valued education, spirited debate, and political discourse. She was also an accomplished seamstress who could reupholster furniture as skillfully as she could sew a dress. Her artistic pursuits extended to writing, and she authored three films that aired on Ann Arbor Community Television. She loved gardening and art, and she found joy in creating beauty in many forms.

Over the years, Helen made her homes in Detroit, Grosse Pointe, and Ann Arbor, where she found her true community. She spent the last several years of her life in Saratoga Springs, New York. She will be remembered for her sharp wit, humor, strength, and resilience. Above all, she took immense pride in her daughters and grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Kathleen McCarty O'Connor (Chip Kilduff) and Mary Koshey Morreale (John Morreale); her dear grandchildren, Owen Connor Kilduff, Olivia Morreale, and Gabriel Morreale; her sister, Millie Kowalchuk; and her wonderful caregiver, Barbara Canavan. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and Joseph Koshey; and her sisters, Marilyn Mason, Anne Dudynskay, and Natalie Koshey.

Helen will be remembered by all who knew her.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com