Main Page
Gallery
Audio/Video
Candles
Condolences
Memories
Life Story
Edit Page
Family Tree
Latest Candles
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 18, 2012, at St. Philomena Parish in Peoria, with Fr. David P. Richardson as celebrant. Visitation will be private. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mattoon.
Helen was born in Mattoon on March 8, 1922, a daughter of Russell and Gertrude (Hasler) Brant. She married Martin C. Utley on November 3, 1951 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mattoon. He preceded her in death on January 13, 2012 in Peoria. She was also preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her daughters, Mary Helaine (Marshall) Madole of Dell City, OK and Tina Louise (David) Nydam of Merrillville, IN; grandchildren, Brant Utley, Emily Nydam, Katy Nydam and Alyssa (Trevor) Majors; great grandson, Andrew Gahan-Utley; sister, Mary Elizabeth Phillips of Norfolk, NE; and brother, James Russell (Esther) Brant of Peoria.
Helen proudly served her country as a WAVE in the U.S. Navy, during both World War II and the Korean War.
She was a member of St. Philomena Parish in Peoria, where she was an adorer at their Perpetual Adoration Chapel.
Helen retired in 1988, after over twenty years of service, as a case worker for the Illinois Department of Public Aid in Charleston. She was formerly employed as a Legal Secretary for Tom E. Grace in Mattoon.
After moving to Peoria in 1992, she volunteered at the American Cancer Society office. She enjoyed sewing, planning gardens and shopping all year long for Christmas.
Helen was a great mom, a hard worker, a good provider and had a big heart. She was a strong woman and led by example. She was small in stature, but huge in life and she was tough as nails.
Memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s memory to St. Philomena Parish.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue, on Peoria.
Slideshow
Latest Condolences
| Brooke | Deepest Condolences | August 9, 2012 |
Laine and Tina - my deepest heartfelt condolences on the death of your beloved mother.
| Ruth Riegel | Tina & Family | May 21, 2012 |
Tina and family,
My condolences on the death of your mother. It is never easy, no matter how old you or they are.
My condolences on the death of your mother. It is never easy, no matter how old you or they are.
| Debbie Pierce | Condolence | May 21, 2012 |
Laine, you probably don't remember me, but we went to St. Mary's together. I read about your mom's death in this morning's newspaper and wanted to send my condolences to you and your family. May God comfort you in your grief and may happy memories and good friends ease your pain.
| Mariana Hughes | So sorry for your loss | May 17, 2012 |
I used to work at the Coles County Dept. of Public Aid and at one time, Helen was my supervisor. Helen and I used to sit in her office at times and we would talk about our families. She was so proud of her "girls" and if I remember correctly, Brant was her only grandchild at that time. She was soooo proud of him and oh my, what a handsome boy he was!!!! Being a single parent and having a small son, she even brought me a couple of hand me down clothes of Brants that I appreciated so much. After she moved to Peoria, we kept in touch for quite a few years....especially at Christmas time. I have so many good memories of your mother/grandmother, especially her sweet smile. I wish all of you the very best. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless you all,
Mariana Hughes
God Bless you all,
Mariana Hughes
| Karen Estes-Ethridge | Blessings! | May 15, 2012 |
Tina & Laine,
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Many Blessings,
Karen
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Many Blessings,
Karen
Quick Gallery
