Obituary: Helen M. Burnside Tannehill, 100

The following obituary was provided by Beinhauer-Bogan Funeral Home in Canonsburg, PA.

At 100 years old, Helen M. Burnside Tannehill passed away at Roberts Health Center in North Kingstown on Fri., Jan. 4. She resided previously at the Seasons Assisted Living facility in East Greenwich, RI, for six years after relocating from Canonsburg, PA in 2006 to be near her daughter, Patricia Quigley, and family.

Tannehill was born on April 25, 1912 on Manifold Road in Washington, PA, a daughter of Joseph and Eva Weishner. She was one of 11 children, 9 brothers and one sister. Deceased brothers are Joseph, Gus, George, William, Stanley, Charles, Richard, and John. One brother, Anthony, resides in Canonsburg. Sister, Anna, predeceased her in 1996. Tannehill married George Dickson Burnside in 1937, lived and operated the Burnside dairy farm on the outskirts of Canonsburg, and had two children, George Dickson, Jr. and Mary Patricia.

Tannehill leaves behind five grandchildren – Denise, Robert, Susan, Scott, and Sean – and three great grandchildren – Jesse, Annie, and Cole. George, Sr. died on January 1, 1959 and Helen married James S. Tannehill in July, 1968. James died in 1971.

Helen was actively involved in many activities that were important to her including arts and crafts at Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church, Millers Run Grange, 4-H club, and volunteering for 30 years at Canonsburg General Hospital. Helen celebrated her 100th birthday at The Seasons Assisted Living facility in April 2012, which included a citation from Governor Lincoln Chafee and an interview by a reporter from the local newspaper.

On being asked what her secret to longevity, she said, “Just keep busy.”

Funeral arrangements by Beinhauer-Bogan Funeral Home, 164 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317 (724-745-5810). Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. in Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church (112 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317) in Helen’s name would be appreciated. Please add and view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.