Helen Ullah

Helen Ullah, lovingly known as “Tutu,” entered eternal rest on November 14, 2025, in Plantation, Florida, at the remarkable age of 99. Born on February 7, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York to Julio and Ursula Rodriguez, Helen was the third of ten children, the eldest daughter and a proud daughter of Puerto Rican heritage. From a young age, she stepped naturally into the role of caregiver—nurturing her siblings, exploring her love of history, celebrating her culture, and filling her home with the beautiful music she played on the piano.

Helen’s life was anchored by her deep and unwavering Catholic faith. Raised in Brooklyn and later Spanish Harlem, she found her earliest spiritual home at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, where her love for the Lord first blossomed. Throughout her life, she continued to strengthen and share her faith with profound devotion. She graduated as a nurse and worked with compassion and grace until she retired at age 55. It was during those years that she met the love of her life, Sad Ullah, and the two were married on January 15, 1949. They made their home in Bayshore, Long Island, where Helen continued to serve the Church as a dedicated member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, nurturing her spiritual life while raising her family.

Helen and Sad’s marriage was blessed with their three most treasured gifts: Victor, Evelyn, and Gerald. Her family grew to include nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren—all of whom she cherished with boundless love. Her wisdom was quiet but powerful, her strength gentle yet unshakeable. She offered guidance with a soft voice, a warm smile, and a prayerful heart, always reminding those she loved to trust in God.

In 2000, Helen and her husband relocated to Sunrise, Florida, joining their daughter Evelyn and the rest of her family. There, Helen became an active member of All Saints Catholic Church, where she continued her life of service, prayer, and community. Over the years, she participated joyfully in the Legion of Mary, Emmaus, and worked alongside the Sisters of St. Joseph, offering her time and her heart wherever she was needed. A true prayer warrior, she prayed the rosary two or more times a day, lifting her family, her church, and the world in steadfast intercession. Helen embraced life fully living with grace, giving with generosity, and sharing joy wherever she went. 

Helen loved to travel and continued exploring the world even into her later years, celebrating her 99th birthday on a cruise surrounded by smiles and gratitude for all God had given her. She embodied dignity, elegance, and love, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who had the blessing of knowing her. Helen is survived by her devoted daughter Evelyn, who lovingly cared for her until the end, alongside Rachel, her granddaughter. She leaves behind a large and beautiful family, which includes her grandchildren: Helena and her spouse Frankie, Jamila, Antoniette and her spouse Patrick, Victor and his spouse Nicole, Angela, Rachel, Isaiah, and Asia. Her great-grandchildren: Daniel and his spouse Yesenia, Michael, Rafael, Mateo, Emilio, Penelope, Richard, Jasmine, Justus and David Jr. along with her great-great grandsons Daniel and Matthew. Helen is also survived by her sister Anna and many nieces and nephews. 

Helen lived by faith, walked with humility, and loved with her whole heart. Through her devotion, her strength, and her quiet wisdom, she touched countless lives. Though she has left this world, her spirit remains, and we are comforted in knowing that Heaven has surely welcomed her with open arms. She is now reunited with her beloved husband Sad, her son's Victor and Gerald, daughter-in-law Joyce and grandson David, her parents and siblings who preceded her in death.

May her soul rest in God’s eternal peace.