Helen Joan Barendt
Born: September 22, 1923
Died: March 12, 2025 in Livermore, CA
Helen Barendt, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away from complications of dementia on March 12, 2025 in Livermore, CA at the age of 101. She was born to Joseph and Agatha Ogozelec and raised in Cicero, IL. She is predeceased by her husband William F. "Mike" Barendt, her parents and siblings. She is survived by her son Michael (Janice) Barendt, and daughter Gloria (Randy) Christensen, and grandchildren Paul (partner Carrie) Barendt, David (Stacy) Barendt, Ryan Christensen, Robyn Christensen (Kevin James), and Holly Christensen. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
During World War II Helen worked at the Taylor Forge plant in Cicero where she met her future sister-in-law, Marge, who then introduced Helen to her brother William, nicknamed Mike by his Army buddies. Helen and Mike were married in 1947, and spent most of their married life in Broadview, IL. She was always very supportive of her children's activities acting as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, a Troop Leader for Girl Scouts, and sewing numerous costumes for Gloria's dance recitals. After the children grew up she devoted much of her time to the Friends of the Broadview Library. She was also a member of the La Grange Park Hummel Club. In 2010 she moved to Livermore, CA to be closer to her daughter's family.
Helen had many activities that she enjoyed. When she was younger she was on many bowling teams and often won trophies for the highest average. In the later years Wii bowling and bingo were her games of choice. She was a very competitive game player taking great joy in always beating everyone at Scrabble. She loved to read, especially mysteries, and passed that passion to her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed various needle crafts, jigsaw and word puzzles, as well as collecting Hummel figurines. When her CA grandchildren were in grade school she would make ornaments for all of their classmates each Christmas.
Per Helen's wishes there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a
charity of your choice or perform an act of kindness for someone in need.
A video tribute to her life created by her granddaughter, Holly, can be seen at:
https://youtu.be/M7IJ0AsmbOAPublished by Suburban Life Publications on Apr. 10, 2025.