Helen Louise Brogan

Helen Louise Brogan ("Aunt Sis" to many) was 77 years old at the time of her death on July 27, 2008 in Decatur, Georgia. Helen was born October 4, 1930 in New London, Connecticut. Her beloved parents were Dorcas Whaley and Harry C. Brogan (deceased). She graduated from Robert E. Pitch High School and Connecticut College. A lifelong learner and teacher, she earned a Master of Arts degree in Education from the University of Connecticut as well as a Certificate of Advanced Studies from Wesleyan University. Helen worked at the Electric Boat General Dynamics Corporation, developing mathematical calculations of pipe stress on the Nautilus Submarine USN5711 in Groton, Connecticut. She traveled nationally as a Market Research Investigator for Procter and Gamble. Twenty nine years of teaching algebra and geometry at Waterford High School in Waterford, Connecticut gave her great fulfillment, including her final year of service at Waterford High with at-risk students. Selected as the Teacher of the Year in Connecticut, she also received the esteemed Agnes Berkeley Leahy Alumnae Award from Connecticut College. Helen was an elected member of the Groton, Connecticut Representative Town Meeting for 12 years. She contributed many hours of volunteer work at First Church of Christ, Congregational UCC in Groton, serving as Church Clerk, Assistant Treasurer, and member of the HandBell Choir. She relished serving as a maritime history volunteer at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut for 12 years, and taught computer classes for senior citizens for a decade. She gladly shared her skills by serving as a part-time tax preparer for H & R Block. In 2000, she moved to Decatur, Ga. to join the circle of her family. She served as a volunteer at Fernbank Museum and the Plymouth Harbor Day Program for Seniors. She was a faithful member of Central Congregational UCC and of the Women's Fellowship group. She is survived by her cherished brother, Clark Whaley Brogan, of Decatur; three nieces, Claudia, Lesley (and partner Linda Ellis), and Betsey (and partner Mary Ellen). In addition, she delighted in her role as great-aunt of John Brogan Ellis and Samuel Clark Ellis of Decatur, Ga. She will be greatly missed by many dear friends. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, August 2, 2008, at Central Congregational United Church of Christ, 2676 Clairmont Road, Atlanta Ga. A. S. Turner & Sons