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Helen Lyons

March 14, 1930 - February 6, 2022

Helen Lyons Helen Lyons
  • VISITATION
    February 25, 2022 | 2:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.
  • Yurs Funeral Home Geneva
  • Funeral
  • February 25, 2022 | 4:30 P.M.
  • Yurs Funeral Home Geneva
  • Burial Location
    Montrose Cemetery, Chicago

Helen was born in 1930 the daughter of John and Katherine Dabich. She had one older brother Louie,
and they grew up in downtown Chicago. Both of Helen’s parents immigrated here from (then)
Yugoslavia. She grew up as part of a tight knit Serbian Church community, where all of her friends and
family were connected. It was through that community she met her first husband, Mladen ( Jim) Vukoje.
Helen and Jim had three daughters, Chris, Joanne and Dawn. They first lived in Morton Grove IL and
then later moved to Grand Blanc MI. After a few years, Jim was diagnosed with cancer and passed
leaving Helen a widow at age 36 with three young girls.
After several years, Helen was introduced to Larry Lyons, also a widower with a daughter in high school,
Linda, and a son Larry Jr, in college. Larry was a kind and humorous man, who in a moment of temporary
insanity, married Mom and wholeheartedly committed to raising three younger girls and also embraced
the whole lot of outgoing Serbian relatives! Helen and Larry committed to make this blended family as
one and both did a beautiful job of it.
Helen and Larry lived a short time after they married in Grand Blanc Michigan, then for 7 years in Wykoff
NJ, and eventually settled for the majority of their lives in Naperville IL. About 8 years ago Larry was
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and they moved to the Greenfields of Geneva where they both could
receive support and ease in caring for him. Helen was Larry’s caregiver until he passed in March of 2021.
They both made friends for life in all the places they lived.
Helen had a heart for service and always volunteered at the schools, the hospital, and Meals on Wheels.
She was a talented seamstress, loved to play the piano and had a beautiful voice. She sang Alto for many
years with the Naperville Choir, even traveling with them to perform in a European concert tour. She
and Larry enjoyed listening to music and attending live concerts. Helen also loved a good competition
and regularly played (to win!) Bridge, tennis and golf. In her later years she was a regular at the Friday
afternoon Greenfields Bingo games.
Helen loved flower gardening, and bird watching and all animals, especially the family dogs. They were
rarely without a dog for long. She always considered her children’s dogs as her “grand-dogs” and we
know there was a long procession of sweet dogs that greeted her at the Rainbow Bridge.
Helen Lyons was a kind, loving, determined (some would say stubborn!) person who loved her family
and was committed to her community and giving back. She faced many obstacles in her life and we all
admire how she managed the hard times and celebrated the good times. She will be remembered for
her kindness, generosity and sense of humor. She was always grateful for everything in her life, so
appreciated the beauty of nature, and said that was where she found God and his miracles.
Helen is survived by five children, Christine Corbitt from Baltimore, Joanne ( Todd) Wolffis from Grand
Rapids, Dawn ( Tom ) Tecza from Elgin, Linda ( Steve) Hicks from Grosse Pointe Woods,MI. and Larry Lyons (
Jean) from Rochester,MI. and ten grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
The family would like to sincerely thank the wonderful Caregivers that made Helen’s last few months so
enjoyable and comfortable

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter 8430 W Bryn Mawr Suite 800 Chicago,Il 60631 or to Meals on Wheels Foundation 7222 Cermak Rd North Riverside, Il. 60546

 

The Funeral Service will be live streamed via Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87004418934?pwd=b2ppdUtMWCtndlY3OXlJOHRWLzBldz09

Meeting ID: 870 0441 8934
Passcode: Lyons

Condolences


Janice Tuten from Falls Church, VA

"What a beautiful photo of and tribute to your mother! We were so fortunate to grow up on Emerson Street with co-mothers for the neighborhood kids and support groups (a.k.a. bridge club) for the parents. I remember your Mom’s hearty laugh, stylish clothes that she sewed following the latest fashions from department stores, gracious hospitality during slumber and countless other parties, and her friendship with my folks until the end. My sincere condolences and gratitude."


Wally Tuten from Georgetown, TX

"Wow, she looks like I remember her so many years ago just with white hair. It was always a special memory growing up on Emerson and she was a big part of that feeling. Thank you for sharing her and the great times. Know that she is remembered and loved by many."


Betsy Ehmann from East Grand Rapids, MI

"Sending a Big Betsy Hug to you all🤍. We only get one Mom, and I know you all will miss her so much. Hope tomorrow is a day filled with memories, and Love amongst family and friends. ❌⭕️🙏"


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