Helen Marie Kirkman, 95, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2021, at the LaSalle County Nursing Home in Ottawa.
Helen was born June 20, 1926, in LaSalle, Illinois, to Frank and Mary (Zupancic) Struna. She married Gordon Kirkman on April 13, 1946, in LaSalle, Illinois. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Ottawa and Catholic Daughters of America. Before retiring, Helen worked at Westclox in Peru, Ryburn King Hospital in Ottawa, and Community Hospital of Ottawa.
Helen will be lovingly remembered by her three children, Peter (Linda) Kirkman of Ottawa, Gary (Martha) Kirkman of Orland Park, and Gordon Jr. (Karen) Kirkman of Aurora; five grandchildren, Thomas (Lynda) Kirkman, Bart (Jennifer) Kirkman, Blake (Kelly) Kirkman, Marissa Kirkman, Jenna (Bryan) Farris; nine great grandchildren, Drew Kirkman, Dean Kirkman, Jordan Kirkman, Logan Kirkman, Emerson Kirkman, Cole Kirkman, Sydney Kirkman, Callum Farris, and Lydia Farris; along with many nieces and nephews.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gordon, in 2013; five sisters, Frances Messaglia, Agnes Wrona, Mary Gunia, Betty Tezak, and Dorothy Struna in infancy; three brothers, Francis Struna, Henry Struna, and Edward Struna.
Helen loved playing bridge, golfing, reading, daily trips to Handy Foods, and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. While residing at the LaSalle County Nursing Home, she appreciated visits from her great grandchildren, as well as other family. Helen was known for her spunkiness and quick wit, enjoyed by her family and those who cared for her.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ottawa Funeral Home, with a private Mass of Christian Burial to be held. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.
She was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.