Helen Davies Obituary

Helen E. Davies

Born: February 16, 1919

Died: October 6, 2016

Helen Eleanor (Elliott) Davies, 97, of Lombard, peacefully passed on Thursday, October 6th, 2016, at Beacon Hill Retirement Center in Lombard. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A native of Streator, Illinois, Helen was born February 16, 1919, one of six children of the late Charles John and Lillian May (King)Elliott. Helen graduated from Streator Township High School in 1936 and attended the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urban, graduating in 1941 with a degree in home economics. Immediately after school she worked for the Public Service of Northern Illinois to help with rural electrification. In 1943, Helenen listed in the US Navy WAVES and was assigned to Washington DC where she completed her service, attaining the rank of Ensign. After the war she returned to Streator and took a position as Home Advisor, LaSalle County Cooperative Extension Service.

While working with Extension she met Assistant Farm Advisor, James Robert Davies, from Geneseo, Illinois, who later became her husband. They wed April 16, 1949 at Park Presbyterian Church in Streator. Together they remained very active in Extension and the College of Agriculture at the University of Illinois. Helen served on numerous boards and committees for the College of Agriculture and the University of Illinois Alumni Associations. In 1960, Helen and her family moved to Downers Grove, Illinois. Helen was an active member of the Downers Grove Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving as Regent for three years (1983-86). She was an active member of the Downers Grove First United Methodist Church.

In 1998, Helen and Jim moved from Downers Grove to make Beacon Hill their home. They quickly adapted to their new surroundings, making new friends and participating in numerous activities. Helen served on the Marketing and Health Care Committee for several years. She also enjoyed the water aerobics class and computer club.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, James (2000); and brothers, Hubert (2002), Quintin(2003), Wayne (2008), Donald (2008), and Kenneth (2013).

She is survived by her married sons, James R. Davies II and Cyndee L (nee Culbertson) of Chesterfield, MO and US Army Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) John H. Davies and Lisa (nee Allocca) of Lexington, KY; grandsons, Paul Tyler, John Nicholas and James Anthony; along with numerous nieces and nephews.