Anne Sullivan was Helen's first and most influential "carer". She was more than that - a teacher, a friend and an almost constant companion. She died in 1936 - 32 years before Helen. Helen was looked after by Polly Thomson from then until 1960 when she too died of a stroke. Winnie Corbally, the nurse who looked after Polly in her last few years, took over Polly's duties for Helen's final eight years.

They are all buried together in Arcan Ridge, Westport, Connecticut - the town where Helen lived for most of her life.