Helen W. Harrison

Helen Wright Harrison, 90, of East Peoria, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. She was born on February 27, 1933, a daughter of Earl Andrews and E. Myrtle (Mullens) Andrews. Helen married William Paul "Bill" Harrison on February 2, 1957 in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. He preceded her in death on June 14, 2018 in East Peoria.

She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Stard and Caroline Buccalo.

Helen is survived by her two sons, Steve Harrison of East Peoria, Mark (Georgia) Harrison of Hinsdale; three granddaughters, Graylin (Sam) Gold of Washington, D.C., Hadley Harrison and Greer Harrison, both of Chicago; very special niece, Dorothy (Ken) Kite of Pingree Grove and their adult children, Kristen and Kenneth and their families.

She was a graduate of Utica High School in New York, received her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois, and received her master's degree from Illinois State University.

Helen worked as a counselor for children and family services for many years. She then was the Dean of Students for Pekin High School from 1969 to 1992. Helen received the award of Dean of the Year in 1985-86.

She was a member of the East Peoria Women's Club for many years. Helen was a past member of the Forrest Hill United Methodist Church in Peoria. She was currently attending Willow Hill United Methodist Church in East Peoria.

Helen and Bill enjoyed traveling after they both retired. For over 20 years they wintered in The Villages in Florida. They traveled to the British Isles, Europe, Hawaii, and took many cruises. Two very favorite trips were attending the 1986 British Open at Turnberry, Scotland and a European river cruise celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Villas of Hollybrook in East Peoria for their kind and loving care for mom.

Helen's funeral service will be at 10:30 am Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at the Willow Hill United Methodist Church in East Peoria. Rev. Ken Terbush will officiate. Her visitation will be from 9:30 am to 10:30 am also on Tuesday at the church. Burial will take place in McNeil Cemetery in rural Lewistown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to South Side Mission in Peoria.

Online condolences may be shared with Helen's family at www.RemmertFuneralHome.com.