Helen M. (O'Connor) Clarke

Helen was born June 5, 1925, in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Albert E. and Christina K. (Keefner) O’Connor. She married Bernard Matthew Clarke on October 26, 1956, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Springfield; he preceded her in death on December 9, 2010.

Helen worked in the comptroller’s office at Illinois Bell until her retirement in 1976 after 30 years of service. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers, Church of the Little Flower, and was also a volunteer as a Good Samaritan at St. John’s Hospital.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Albert O’Connor Jr., Florence Mullen, Clara Pavletich, Russell “Pat” O’Connor, Theresa Klune, and Thomas and James Michael O’Connor.

Helen is survived by her siblings, Joseph (Sarah) O’Connor of Godfrey, IL and Fred O’Connor of Chatham, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Visitation and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield. Funeral Mass will begin at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Allen M. Kemme, celebrant.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Little Flower School, 900 Stevenson Dr., Springfield, IL 62703 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.