Helen Joan Chirchirillo, age 91, of Loves Park, Il, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday March 4, 2026. She was born on May 15, 1934, in Dixon, Il, daughter of Elwood and Margaret (Stewart) Heatherington. She met and married her late husband Peter in 1958, in Chicago Il, later relocating to Loves Park, Il to raise their family.

Helen was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Bridget’s Church.

Helen’s love of food service began in the early 1970’s working at the Mayflower Restaurant. She later became the proud owner of Chirchy’s Café and Catering, where her cooking talent and hospitality touched countless lives. She was also a cook for Bishop Doran and Monsignor Mitchell for many years and worked in the cafeterias at Harlem Middle School and Woodward Governor.

After retiring, Helen devoted her time to the people she cherished most, her family and friends. She had a deep love of everything Lake Geneva, WI. and enjoyed many walks along the lake’s walking path or simply sitting in her lawn chair reading a food magazine in the park alongside the lake. She loved her home and enjoyed planting flowers in her yard and spending time visiting with her many near and dear neighbors. Her morning ritual always began with a cup of coffee, the newspaper and the daily crossword puzzle.

One of her greatest joys was spending time with her closest and dearest friends of 52 years, lovingly known as the “Card Club Group.” She also enjoyed playing Scrabble and card games with family and friends. She welcomed everyone into her heart, forming genuine bonds that transcended the boundaries of ordinary friendship. She will be profoundly missed but always fondly remembered for her quick wit, warmth and kindness she shared with everyone around her.

Her legacy lives on through her children, Michael (Julie), Michele, Mark (Nancy); her grandchildren Paul (Leslie), Lauren (Dan), Ryan (Emily), Nicholas and Sarah; great grandchildren, Max, Molly, Elaina, Owen, Isla, Maddox, Julian and Adrian; great-great granddaughter Mila; and her sister-in-law Ruth. Helen was also an adored aunt to many. and shared a special bond with Peter’s family over the years.  She is predeceased by husband Peter (1963), her parents and siblings, John, Patricia (Ronald), Mary Kay, Keith and special childhood friend Margaret “Pudge” Dempsey.

Visitation will take place on Monday, March 16, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Mass, 10:30 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, Illinois 61111. After a time of fellowship burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. A very heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Dimensions Living of Beloit and Mercy Hospice Care, for all the wonderful care, love and support they provided to Helen and her family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Dimensions Living of Beloit, 2086 Colony Court, Beloit, Wisconsin 53511. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitgeraldfh.com