Helene Roselle (Johnson) Cushenan

HELENE ROSELLE "Widge" MALOY CUSHENAN, (nee Johnson), was born July 7,1926 A Motown girl who found her way east to New York City following her passion for literature and the theatre at New York University. There she found her Delta Zeta “sisters’, her love of jazz and most importantly, she found John Maloy. "Widge” as our father and the folks back east called her, decided to move to the midwest and start a family; Nancy and Peter arrived!

It was then that “Helene” or Mrs. Maloy found her inspiration putting her Master’s degree to work as a High School English teacher in Cleveland's inner city. Her dedication earned her the prestigious

Jennings Scholar Award for excellence in teaching.

In 1968 John unexpectedly and tragically passed away leaving her at the age of 40 with two young children. But “Roselle” as she was called by her mother and relatives, knew of her strength and knew

she would find her way forward. “And though she be but little she is fierce.”

         Seven years later through Peter’s involvement in hockey she met the next love of her life, ex-NHL player and high school hockey coach, Ian Cushenan. Not only did she become the stepmother to Ian’s

children, Ric and Dawn but one of the original hockey moms and her life became even richer and fuller.

From high school English teacher to Professor Cushenan at Lorain County Community College, and Baldwin Wallace College, Helene continued to advocate for women’s rights and held positions as president with AAUW (American Association of University

Women) and her chapter of Delta Zeta. She was also active in the Democratie League of Women Voters and on the boards of numerous community organizations She was tireless champion for equality and education.

        With great sadness Ian passed away a month before the COVID pandemic and she lived on for another four and a half years, taking her flight at the age of 98. A life well lived and loved. As a loving mother she leaves behind Nancy Maloy, Peter Maloy, Richard Cushenan (Pam),and Dawn Mead (Rick), dear grandmother of Katie Bernstein, Connor Bernstein, Alex Cushenan, Ryan

Cushenan, Jena Stawicki, and Kara Stawicki, great grandmother of six.

       Funeral Service, Sunday, August 25 at 2:00 pm at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 468 Bradley Road, Bay Village, Ohio, 44140, where friends may visit at the church, Sunday from 1:00-2;00 pm.

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