Helen Mae Conkling

Helen Mae Conkling, 86, of Rockford died Thursday, August 4, 2016 with her family at her side. Born July 18, 1930 in Belvidere the daughter of Ted Burch and Maggie (Williams) Burch-Gorman. Attended Belvidere Schools and later married her former husband, the late Robert E. Conkling on October 19, 1947. Helen worked for PNC Bank for 20 years retiring in 1995 and then worked for the City of Rockford in the parking garage until 2013. She was a faithful member of Pine Grove Free Methodist Church and cherished her moments spent with family and friends. She had a warm heart and a gracious smile, she will be missed dearly. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to OSF Hospice and to her extended family and friends for always lending that extra hand when needed.
She is the loving mother of Jan (Tomasz) Bukowski, Bob Conkling and Paul Conkling; grandmother to Tina Johnson, Kent (Susan) Johnson, Brad McCaw, Dawn (Dave Stickels) McCaw; Brett (Nelia) McCaw, Emily Conkling, Allison Conkling and Rebecca Conkling; great grandmother to 7 and the 8th is on the way this fall. Additional survivors include her brother, Larry Gorman; sister-in-law, Caryn Gorman; son-in-law, Jim (Ruth) McCaw and nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her Parents, daughter, Diane McCaw; sister, Hazel (Don) Decker and brother, Roger Gorman.
Funeral service Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside chapel (3910 N. Rockton Ave.) with visitation from 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Burial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Highland Garden of Memories in Belvidere. In lieu of flowers memorials to: Pine Grove Free Methodist Church or Rockford Rescue Mission. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com