Helene C. O'Shea

Helene C. O’Shea, 71, of Springfield, died at 3:30 a.m. on Friday, June 22, 2007 at her home. She was born the daughter of David and Catherine Wilson Eddington, the 8th of ten children. She married David L. “Bud” O’Shea on July 6, 1957 in a Catholic ceremony at U.S. Army Fort Gordon, Augusta, GA. Her parents, brothers: Robert and Jerry Eddington, sister: Rita Shaughnessy, and infant son Thomas E. O’Shea preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, David L. “Bud” O’Shea; two daughters: Maureen (husband, Gary) Holcomb, San Antonio, Texas and Linda Howell, St. Louis, Missouri; two sons: David L. O’Shea, II, Virden, Illinois and Mike (wife, Beth) O’Shea, Springfield, Illinois; thirteen grandchildren: David L. III, Ryan, and Michelle O’Shea, Jeremy and Jason Miller, Garry and Zachery Holcomb, Rosemary, Julianne, Christopher and Annmarie Howell, Matthew and Grace O’Shea; numerous nieces and nephews; three sisters: Regina (husband, George ) Rakers, Springfield, Illinois, Miriam (husband, Lyle) Woodruff, Bridgeton, Missouri and Theresa Gay, Sun City, Arizona; three brothers: David (wife, Rosalie) Eddington , Indianapolis, Indiana, Richard (wife, Gwen) Eddington, Elmhurst, Illinois and Mike (wife, Judy) Eddington, Benton, Arkansas. Mrs. O’Shea lived most of her life in Springfield, however she spent eighteen months in Stuttgart, Germany with her husband while he was in the service. After returning to Springfield, she worked forty-eight years and was co-owner of Harold O’ Shea Builders. She had a fondness for writing and her work was published in numerous short stories and a popular humorous book about her youth, “A Handful of Prisms”. Although she enjoyed her work and writing, her family was her greatest passion. She was a devout Catholic and a member of Christ the King Parish. Family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, 2007 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1930 Barberry Drive. Her visitation will begin with a prayer service at 3:00 p.m. Family also welcomes friends from 8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. on Monday, June 25, 2007 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900. S 6th St. Springfield. Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, June 25, 2007 at Christ The King Catholic Church with the Very Rev. James D. O’Shea, V.F. principal celebrant and Msgr. David Lantz concelebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105 or charity of donor’s choice.