Obituaries
3
trees
planted in memory of Helen Rose O'Connell
Obituary for Helen Rose O'Connell
Peoria-Helen Rose (Engel) O’Connell, 86, of Peoria, passed away Monday, Sept. 13, 2021, surrounded by family at her home after battling cancer.
She was born on June 22, 1935, in New Blaine, AR., the daughter of William Engel and Johanna (Anhalt) Engel. She married William J. O’Connell of Kewanee on Jan. 26, 1957, in New Blaine, AR. She wore a Chantilly lace wedding dress that was the talk of the town. From there they settled in Peoria where they made a home for their family.
She is survived by five children, Kelly (Dan) Kennelly of Littleton, CO., Thomas (Linda) O'Connell of Western Springs, IL, Timothy O'Connell of Peoria, IL., Molly (George) Phoenix of Vernon Hills, IL., and David (Kristi) O'Connell of Gold River, CA. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in her death by her parents, her husband Bill and her infant son, William Francis O'Connell; one brother James Engel and one sister Jeanette Martorana.
Helen grew up on a farm in Arkansas where she learned the value of hard work, a quality she passed on to her children. Wherever she decided to work she would always become a treasured employee. She never lost her love for the farm as she was an avid gardener (and canner) and enjoyed frequenting the area farmer’s markets. She was also a lover of animals. There wasn’t a pet that she didn’t enjoy with her children
She was a devout Catholic and active member of St. Bernard’s Parish. Her faith, honesty and charitable works were extremely important to her, and she was respected by all who knew her.
Helen Rose was proud of her German ancestry. Both her mother and father were of German heritage. In the community where she was raised, many could trace their roots to Germany. After leaving Arkansas she enjoyed celebrating her nationality at events sponsored by the German American Society of Peoria.
The St. Louis Cardinals held a special place in her heart. As a baseball fan, she enjoyed watching her beloved team with her family until Dish Network pulled the plug on her. She was also an avid Arkansas Razorbacks fan.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 10:00 AM until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Bernard Catholic Church. Father Eric Bolek will officiate and burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials in Helen’s memory may be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church or St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.
Previous Events
Visitation
Saturday
18
Sep
10:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
St. Bernard Catholic Church
509 E Kansas
Peoria, IL 61603
Funeral Mass
Saturday
18
Sep
11:00 AM
St. Bernard Catholic Church
509 E Kansas
Peoria, IL 61603
Cemetery Details
Location
Resurrection Cemetery & Mausoleum
7519 N Allen Rd
Peoria, IL 61614
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