Helen Marie Clark, 86, of Belleville, IL, born Wednesday, May 18, 1938 in East St. Louis, IL, passed away Monday, November 18, 2024 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.
Helen attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School, then attended high School at the Academy of Notre Dame. She attended Maryville University and graduated with a teaching degree in 1960, then began teaching at the Academy of Notre Dame, teaching Math and Physical Education. When the Academy closed Helen moved to teach at Althoff Catholic High School until her retirement. For many of those years, Helen taught Religion and served as Head of the Religion Department. If memory serves correctly, she was the first woman and first lay person to head the Religion Department at Althoff. She was a devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Church, where she volunteered many hours in a variety of ways.
In retirement, Helen was invited by her sister, Patty Randolph to move to Florida so that she would be near family in her later life. But Helen decided not to leave Belleville. She had put down deep roots in her church and community. She subsequently moved out of the family home and into the Atrium of Belleville, where she continued to make her consistently upbeat and caring personality felt by both staff and other residents. Over the years, Helen had loved many, many people including family, friends and neighbors, fellow teachers and former students. Many people loved Helen and many will miss her. Goodbye Helen and God speed.
Helen was preceded in death by her:
- Parents: Alvin B. and Ida Marie, nee Kienzle, Clark
- Sister: Patricia Randolph of Renton, WA
Surviving are her:
- Brother: James (Patricia) Clark of Portland, OR
- Sister: Judith Kristan with companion Gerald Erwin of San Diego, CA
- Brother-in-law: Cliff Randolph of Renton, WA
- Nephew: Bill Kristan
- Nieces
- Laura Wilhelm
- Sarah Park
- Allison Clark
- Four great nephews
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the School Sisters of Notre Dame – SSND, 320 E. Ripa Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63125.
Visitation: Visitation from 9:30-11 a.m. December 2, 2024 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 8707 West Main Street, in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 2, 2024 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with Msgr. Jack McEvilly officiating.
Private Interment at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Belleville, IL.
