Helen Roman

Helen Roman

(nee Basniak)

Age 89 of Wilmington, and formerly of Chicago and Oak Lawn, passed away unexpectedly May 27, 2013 at her home.

Born August 6, 1923 in Chicago, Helen was a daughter of the late Michael and Catherine Pryzner-Basniak. She was raised in Chicago, and graduated from Five Holy Martyrs Grammar School and Kelly High School. Helen worked for the Crane Company in Chicago prior to gaining employment with Stromberg Allen, where she worked for 15 years. She was a former active member of Saint Pancratius Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector, speaking both English and Polish. She also participated in the choir, attended the St. Pancratius Seniors Club, was past president of the Our Lady of Victory Society, was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, and was a charter member of the Guild of Mother Mary Theresa Dudzik. Helen was a current member of Saint Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington. She will be remembered for her love of watching sports: Notre Dame, the Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs and Blackhawks. She also enjoyed crocheting and knitting, doll collecting, working on puzzles and using her iPad. Helen greatly looked forward to seeing her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and cherished the time spent seeing and visiting with all of them.

Survivors include two sons: Lawrence (Carol) Roman of Wilmington and Dr. Michael (Dr. Linda) Roman of San Antonio, Texas; her daughter-in-law Gerry Roman of Chicago; grandchildren: Mark (Angela) Roman of Plainfield, Carrie (Steve) McWilliams of Crystal Lake, Tony (Nicole) Roman of Orlando, Florida, Chris Roman and Amanda Roman, both of Wilmington, Maddie Roman and Alex Roman of San Antonio, Texas, and Dan (Kathy) Roman and Dave (Suzanna) Roman, both of Tinley Park; great grandchildren: Luke, Jack and Maxton Roman, Ryan and Jake Mc Williams, Presley Roman, Christina and Shelby Roman and Brenda and Molly Roman; sisters-in-law: Lorraine Rychlewski, Phyllis Roman and Annette Nacin, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents Michael and Catherine Basniak, husband Harry Roman on September 2, 1981, son Dennis Roman; brothers-in-law Clarence Rychlewski, Elmer Roman, Bill Roman, Steve Roman and Tony Nacin and sisters-in-law Cecelia Roman and Kitty Roman.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Thursday May 30, 2013 between the hours of 3:00PM and 7:00PM at Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. (815/476-2181). Funeral services will follow Friday morning May 31st at 10:00AM in Saint Rose Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street in Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Steve Bondi officiating. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. Those who wish to attend the cemetery committal services may meet at the cemetery chapel at 11:45AM.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be Helen's grandsons: Mark Roman, Tony Roman, Chris Roman, Alex Roman, Dan Roman and Dave Roman.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Helen's memory to Saint Rose Catholic School, 626 South Kankakee Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.FRBfuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Matthew R. Baskerville, CFSP.