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Helen McNulty Obituary

McNulty, Helen M. Helen M. McNulty, 84, of Bethlehem Woods Retirement Community, LaGrange Park, formerly of Forest Park and native of West Frankfort, all Illinois, died Feb. 14, 2011, with her family at her side at Oak Brook Health Care, two weeks after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Mrs. McNulty graduated in 1944 from West Frankfort High School and from Lockyear's secretarial school, Evansville, Ind. She worked as a secretary at Tomlinson Motors in West Frankfort, Loretto Hospital in Chicago and F.C. Pilgrim & Co., Oak Park. She lived in Forest Park for nearly 50 years, was a parishioner of St. Luke Catholic Church and known for baking toffee square cookies. She is survived by son, Tim (Mary Kay Gaughan) McNulty of Naperville; daughter Mary Ann McNulty (Steven Ostrowski) of Lombard; grandchildren Dan, Megan and Maura McNulty, and Alex and Gillian Ostrowski; sister Agnes (George) Michalic of West Frankfort; sister-in-law Patricia (late Bernard) McNulty of Sun City, Ariz., brother-in-law Edward "Cobb" (late Margaret) Vene of San Jacinto, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband, Austin McNulty, sister Mary Dragovich, and parents. Visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m., with rosary at 5:30 p.m. at Union Funeral Home, 213 E. Oak St., West Frankfort, Ill. 62896. Funeral mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18, with Fr. Trevor Murry presiding, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in West Frankfort, followed by burial at St. John's Cemetery. A memorial service will be held in the Chicago area at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. John's School, or to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 7181, of which she was a longtime member.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Feb. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen McNulty

Not sure what to say?





Kathy Zalud

February 21, 2011

Tim, Maryann & Families -
What we have once enjoyed
we can never lose. Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
still loved, still missed and very dear. Your mom was such a classy lady. She will be missed by all.

John, Kathy & Family

Leisa Bixler Kowalski

February 18, 2011

Mary Ann, Tim and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Aunt Helen. I have been so honored to have had her in my life and she always made me feel so special as my Godmother. I always looked forward to getting my OWN container of toffee squares from her. I know she is in a better place now sharing her love and sweet personality w/so many loved ones...including my mom! My thoughts and prayers are w/all of you during this difficult time.
Love, Leisa (Bixler) Kowalski

February 18, 2011

Dear Tim, Mary Kay and family,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Deb Pelland

February 17, 2011

Dear Tim & MaryAnn & families
sorry to hear about your mom we will miss her deeply ! we always loved those toffee bar cookies she made.

patrick,laura,paige and michael mcnulty

February 17, 2011

Maryann, Steve, Tim, Mary Kay, very sorry to hear about your mom she was a special lady I cant count the times she made those toffee bar cookies and always sent over a large coffee can full of them, they were my favorites and always will be we will miss her deeply

patrick ,laura,paige,and michael mcnulty

Arlene Cook

February 17, 2011

To Helen's family: My very sincere condolences in the loss of Helen. She used to come along with Betty Morini and me to the monthly dances at the Oak Park Arms, listening to big band music. Afterwards we'd all go out to eat (often at Leona's), enjoy a good meal and conversation and then I would bring her home to her apartment in Forest Park. She will be sincerely missed.

February 17, 2011

Tim, Mary Kay, and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.

Ed + Kathy Aubin

February 17, 2011

I will alwys remember your moms sweet ways and of course her toffee cookies that we all fouhgt over. Leisa usually won.
She alwys had a kind word for everyone, she will not be forgotten.

Bridget Bixler

February 16, 2011

Dear Tim & MaryAnn & families
Your Mom was a great lady and always had something special when you came over to visit.Especially those toffee bar cookies.She was special always a delight..She leaves a great legacy..Love Dave & Debbie Howard

Mary Striska

February 16, 2011

Aunt Helen,
I will remember always your kindness, your warmth and your smile. We will miss you but you will live on in our hearts and our memories.

Maryann, Steve, Tim, Mary Kay, and all the kids, our deepest condolences for your loss.
Love,
Joe, Mary, and Jimmy

Mary Striska

February 16, 2011

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Mike Miller

February 16, 2011

Tim and MaryAnn and families-
Our sympathies to you all on the loss of your Mom. We always will remember her warmth and loved visiting with her at family gatherings. We are sorry will not be able to attend services in West Frankfort. Our prayers will be with you all.
Mike & Ellie , Kate, Brian, Ben

Tom & Pat Gray

February 16, 2011

Dear Tim & Mary and families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Theresa Lacey

February 16, 2011

I will always have such warm, wonderful memories of Aunt Helen.
She will always have a special place in my heart.
Love, Theresa (Workman) Lacey

February 15, 2011

Dear Tim,Mary Kay, Steve and Mary Ann and families
It is with heavy heart that I must say we won't be able to be with you at this difficult time. Aunt Helen was so special to all of us. She will be missed by all.
Hugs, Bob and Phyllis and family

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