Helen Dolores Calacurcio

The family of Helen Dolores (Schulz) Calacurcio married to Frank R. Calacurcio (deceased) grieves her death and celebrates her life. Helen is predeceased by her father Richard Schulz, mother Wanda Schulz, and brothers Fredrick (Shirley), Helbert (JoAnn) and Arthur (Marge) Schulz. She is survived by her brothers Raymond (Marsha) and Herbert (Charlotte) Schulz. Although Helen lived in Hot Springs (Arkansas), Lake Summerset and Rockton, Rockford is where she called home. She loved her children Christine White (deceased), Vicki (Tom) Manson, and Lisa (Paul) Henderson with all her heart. She also leaves behind three grandchildren Jennifer (Dan) Becksell, Sarah (Jason) Peterson, and Elliot Manson and great grandchildren, Zayne (Jean) Chrysanthemum, Max Becksell, Peyton and Addison Peterson and nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be greatly missed by her family.

Helen was born in Rockford on January 6, 1931 and graduated from East High School in 1948. Her parents immigrated to the United States from Germany and were Naturalized in 1940. They purchased a home at 1642 10th Avenue where Helen and her 5 brothers spent their entire childhood. In her married life she lived in Loves Park, then Rockford at 50l Kishwaukee Street and 2119 Arizona Avenue. She worked at National Lock, DJ Stewarts, Jefferson High School library and Rockford Title Company. She retired to Hot Springs and returned to Rockford after the sudden death of her daughter Christine. She absolutely loved dogs and cats - living, stuffed or figurines;the later two surrounded her bedside at her death.

Many thanks to the staff in the E-Wing of Wesley Willows and Mercy Hospice for their loving care in the last days of her life.

Friends and family are invited to pay tribute, share stories and have a light dinner at a memorial visitation for Helen on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Illinois 61115 with a memorial service following. A burial of ashes will occur Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com for the Calacurcio family.