Helen C Gridley

Helen Cecelia Gridley, 93, of Janesville, formally of Rockford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 in St Elizabeth Nursing Home. Born January 18, 1926 in Shullsburg, WI. Daughter of Frank and Ethel (Mitchell) Foley. Graduated from St. Matthews Catholic High School. After graduation along with a girlfriend she moved to Freeport, IL. Employed by Burgress Battery in Freeport. Together with her girlfriend she would travel by bus to Chicago to go shopping and that’s how she met her future husband the Grey Hound bus driver. United in marriage to Everett O. Gridley on February 28, 1949 in Chicago. He predeceased her on November 25, 1995. Together with Everett they moved to Rockford where they started their family. Helen was a proud homemaker until all her children were in at least high school before she returned to work at Chicago Title where she stayed for 25 years. Member of St Peters Catholic Church. Together with Everett she found enjoyment in Friday night dinners especially fish fry’s, dancing, country music even have attended a Waylon Jennings concert by herself, and she was known for her baked bread. Helen loved her clothes and jewelry and always looked pretty.

Survived by her children, Mary (Terry Kettle) Schmidt, Matthew Gridley, David Gridley, Tracey Gridley; granddaughters, Cecelia and Bella Frechette; several nieces and nephews; best friend, Genevieve Hoover. Predeceased by her parents, spouse; daughter, April Gridley; son-in-law, Gary Schmidt; daughter-in-law, Ellen Gridley. Family wishes to thank the staff at St Elizabeth for their loving care of Mom over the years.

Celebration of Life Funeral Service at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 12 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park. Visitation at 1 p.m. until time of service. Entombment following service in Sunset Memorial Gardens. To share a condolence www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com