Helen M. Whalen

Helen Marie (Piercy) Whalen, 82, passed away Friday December 18, 2020. She was born September 23, 1938 in Spring Valley, IL, the daughter of Anton William and Helen Margaret (Swingle) Piercy. Helen moved to Rockford, IL when she was five and graduated from Muldoon High School in 1957. She later received her Floral Design Certificate from McHenry Community College. Helen met the love of her life, Frank J. Whalen in 1957 and married June 20, 1959 in the old St. Rita Catholic Church in Cherry Valley, IL. Frank and Helen were extensions of each other and never far apart physically and spiritually for over 61 years of marriage. Helen was a member of the Winnebago County Homemakers Association, Cathedral of St. Peter Church, St. Anne’s Society, and the Catholic Woman’s League. In 2009, Helen was nominated by St. Peter’s Church and awarded Woman of the Year for the Rockford Deanery in recognition of Outstanding Christian Service.
A highlight in her life was a religious pilgrimage to a Marian Shrine at Medjugorie, Yugoslavia in 1989. Helen was always giving back by volunteering, for many years she hosted the Traveling Pilgrim Virgin Statue in her home. When her children were young, she enjoyed being a scout leader for the Cub Scouts, Weblos, Brownies and Girl Scouts. Driven by her love of flowers, Helen designed and maintained the church flowers for many years at St. Peter. Those who have known her describe her as a “dedicated person who works quietly behind the scenes”, helping with many tasks and activities throughout the years at St. Peter. Helen’s love and dedication of her family and friends was always on display as she was their guardian and caretaker in their time of need.
Helen enjoyed flower arranging, photography, crafts, cards, and puzzles. Above it all she was a truly devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, sister and friend with a warm heart, gracious smile, and always a helping hand for anyone. She will be missed by all she met. As Helen would say “Love and GOD Bless”.
Survived by her husband, Frank J. Whalen of Rockford; son, Steven (Linda) Whalen of Oak Creek, WI; daughter, Mary (William) Holada of Arlington Heights, IL; grandchildren, Ashley Holada, Mark Holada, Anna Whalen, Jacob Whalen; sister, Sharon (Ken) Aebersold; many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Anton W. Piercy and Helen M. Piercy Hawley; sister, Mary Ann Piercy (infant); brother, David Piercy; and grandchildren, twins Patrick and Thomas Whalen.
Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 Church St, Rockford. IL, at 11:00 am, with a visitation prior to Mass from 9:30 – 11:00 at the church. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Helen’s name to the Poor Clare Colettine Nuns Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 S. Main St, Rockford, IL 61102. Please share condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.