Helen Fitzgerald

Helen Louise Fitzgerald, 97, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday morning April 7, 2024. Helen was born January 19, 1927 in Herrin, IL to Luther & Essie (Jackson) Hobbs. She married
Phillip Fitzgerald on June 14, 1946. They had their 50th wedding anniversary with a Gala Celebration on June 9, 1996. Phillip preceded Helen in death on November 19, 1999. Helen was also proceeded in death by their daughter, Marcia Gail, their son Brent, and her parents as well as her brothers Donald and James Gordon Hobbs.
Helen is survived by one son, Scott Fitzgerald of Herrin, daughter-in law, Cheryl Fitzgerald of Herrin, 3 granddaughters: Jessica (Joe) Frederick of Livonia, MI, Heather (Terry) Adams of Roanoke, VA and Aundria Fitzgerald of St. Louis; along with two Great Granddaughters, Rebekah Joy and Abigail Adams of Roanoke, VA and two Great Grandsons Xander-Ryne Adams of Roanoke, VA and Jefferson Frederick of Livonia, MI. She is survived by her cousins, nieces and nephews. Helen was a strong Christian and lived her faith in the Lord. She loved to cook and bake and share her food with friends and shut-ins.
Helen was employed as a Secretary of the First United Methodist Church in Herrin for 32 years where she was a devoted member of the church. She was a past member of the Chancel Choir for 62 years. She was a volunteer for the American Red Cross Blood Program for 35 years and had given 99 pints of blood to the Red Cross before having a heart attack and having to stop giving blood. She received a special tribute in 1997 for 35 years of volunteer service to the Blood Program of the American Red Cross.
Helen received the distinguished service award in 1996 by the Herrin Chamber of Commerce. In 1983, she was nominated by the Herrin Jaycees for the Distinguished Service Award and was voted First Lady of the Year by the Herrin Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. The greatest award ever was the Grandma “Hug” award (Heart of Gold) given her in 1997 by her three granddaughters. She had always said none of her service to others would have been possible had it not been for her wonderful caring husband.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 10th from 9-11:00 AM with the funeral service at 11:00 AM at Van Natta Funeral Home Rev. Carl Mesiti will officiate.. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the First United Methodist Church of Herrin, 301 S 16th St, Herrin, IL, 62948.