Helen Jean Wright

She was born August 3,1923 in Odell, Illinois to Harry and Hazel (Ely) Hansen. She graduated from Odell Public High School in 1941, then attended Bradely University. On July 19th, 1943, she married the love of her life, Thomas E. Wright. They were married for 64 wonderful years. Helen had worked at Copen's Restaurant, Goslin's Drug Store and also the Garnet Factory before raising her family. Helen was a devoted wife, mom, and grandmother. She enjoyed dancing with her sweetheart, gardening and taking care of her beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed cooking, baking and sewing. She always had a love for animals. She enjoyed horseback riding as a young girl and also had many furry kids throughout the years. But her true joy was raising her children, watching them grow up, spending time with them and her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas E. Wright, her son Richard D. Wright, her brothers Ralph and Edward Hansen and sister Marolyn (Elmer) Garrison. She is survived by her son Thomas (Ann) Wright, Sandra (Robert) DuPriest, Gayle (John) Reiken and Lori (Felix) Gutierrez and sisters Betty (John) Kochis and JoAnn (James) Armstrong, 16 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Helen was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. Anthony's Church, of Streator, Illinois, and Holy Cross Catholic Church, of Mesa, Arizona.

Helen was a great example to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on in the lives of her family and friends.