Helena Hayes

Helena T. Hayes

Age 90 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2015 at Salem Village Nursing Home in Joliet.

Born May 14, 1925 in Steger, Illinois, Helena Teresa was a daughter of the late Joseph and Fannie (Sparks) Kaiser. She was raised and educated in Joliet and on August 14, 1941, Helena married Robert Hayes. Helena was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW #5422, and will be remembered for her tireless work for the VFW Post #5422 for over 65 years. Helena also leaves her legacy of beaded ornaments that she made and sold for 45 years.

Survivors include her daughters: Barbara (the late Don) Howard of Wilmington and Patricia (Ed) Poppleton of Zephyrhills, Florida; grandchildren: Rick Howard and Scott (Cindy) Howard, both of Braidwood, Robert (Gina) Howard of Lockport, John Howard of Palatine, Tina Howard of Bourbonnais, Karen Richards and Jenny (Nikki) Howard-Berry, both of Wilmington, Donnie Howard of Port St. John, Florida, Ed Poppleton, Jr. of Lakeland, Florida, Tonette (Pat) Allison of Zephyrhills, Florida, Melissa (George) McGavern of Magnolia, Texas, and special grandchildren: Tammy Kara of North Richland Hills, Texas and Bill (Sherry) Hayes of Elwood, as well as many great and great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Helena was preceded in death by her parents; husband Robert; daughter Carolyn Howard; grandchildren: Mark Poppleton, Stacey Howard and Mike Hayes; brother Charles Kaiser; sisters: Francis Talmadge, Marcella Hill and Mary Clark, and special nephew Michael Hayes.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at Silver Cross Hospital who took care of her these past two weeks. They would also like to thank all of her friends at Salem Village; the nurses, CNA’s and staff, who cared so much about her over the past 6 years.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Rose Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street in Wilmington, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. Steve Bondi officiating.

Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wilmington, where Helena will be laid to rest with her late husband Robert.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Helena’s memory to The VFW Auxiliary #5422, 1204 Park Drive, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Family and friends may sign the guest book or view Helena’s memorial page 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)