Helen Maxine Stewart was born on December 17, 1928 in Live Oak, Florida to Broward and Mabel Stewart. She was the first born of five children. As the oldest, she was a nurturer and displayed a strong sense of responsibility, qualities she carried with her all her life. Helen began working for Southern Bell as a young woman and retired after 30 years of service with them in 1977. After retiring, she spent her time volunteering at hospitals and rehabilitation centers and caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She has always been actively involved with her community and up until this year, served as president of her homeowners association. Above all, she was the matriarch of a loving family. She was married to Roy O'Banion, Jr. and raised two children, a daughter, Deborah and a son, Gregory. She has three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren who lovingly call her Gigi. To them, she gave unconditional love. In return, they gave her a passion for life. If you were to look up "grandma" in the dictionary, you might see a picture of Helen. She was a sweet as sugar, extremely witty, often without meaning to be and slight in her stature. However, Helen shouldn't be judged by her small frame because she was one of the strongest women that you could ever meet. She overcame an abundance of adversity and hardships in life, such as the losses of her husband, her son, her son-in-law, two brothers, her sister and numerous friends. She also overcame several life threatening illnesses and surgeries. It would have been easy for Helen to give up, but she never faltered due to her faith in God and the love of her family. Helen lived an extremely successful life. How do we judge success? We need only look at the countless lives she touched and all of the people who are far better for knowing her. I'm certain that heaven is a better place upon Helen's arrival and when she finally made it home, Jesus told her - Job Well Done!!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory to the Hospice of the Comforter, Altamonte Springs, FL.