Helen Zouganelis

Helen D. Zouganelis

Age 83 of Wilmington, passed away Thursday October 9, 2014 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home.

Born March 10, 1931 in Joliet, Helen was a daughter of the late Michael and Anna (Bubnas) Sinchak. She was raised and educated in Joliet and on May 8, 1954, Helen married George Zouganelis in SS. Cyril and Methodius Church in Joliet. Together they lived in Joliet before moving to Wilmington in the 1970's. Helen was co-owner and operator of Community GMC in Wilmington with her late husband George, Sr. until her retirement in 2008. Today the automobile dealership continues to be owned and operated by the Zouganelis family. Helen was a member of Saint Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington and enjoyed being a part of the "Alma Acres Misfits", which included Reba Lund, Debbie Glass and Diane and Joan Ptacek. She took pleasure in gardening, cooking, baking and sewing. Helen loved to dance and constantly remained active with her family that she so dearly cherished.

Survivors include her sons: George, Jr. (Renee) Zouganelis and Peter Zouganelis, both of Wilmington; two grandchildren: Cassandra Zouganelis and Alexis Nicole Zouganelis; two step-grandchildren: Jeremy Hicks and Tyce Carlson; one great granddaughter Makayla; two brothers: Raymond Sinchak of Joliet and Michael Sinchak of Morris; one sister Irene Schomer of Lisle; four sisters-in-law: Jennie McKanna and Kay Zouganelis, both of Joliet, Helen Skaropoulos of California and Eugenia Zouganelis of Friendship, Wisconsin, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband George, Sr.; adopted daughter Gail Douglass-Zouganelis; four brothers: Andrew, John, Joe and George and five sisters: Lou, Marge, Liz, Anna and Mary.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Monday October 13, 2014 between the hours of 3:00PM and 8:00PM at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. in Saint Rose Church, 604 South Kankakee Street in Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Steve Bondi officiating.

Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, where Helen will be laid to rest with her husband George.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Helen's memory to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 South Main Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481, Saint Rose Church, 603 South Main Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481, Saint Rose School, 626 South Kankakee Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481 or All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 102 North Broadway Street, Joliet, Illinois 60435.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)