Helen Marie Kish, 97, of Aurora passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Born in Rockford, Illinois on July 28, 1924, she was the daughter of Herman and Alice (Coonrad) Berthold. She was married to Howard Kish for fifty years before his passing in 1996.
For many years, Helen served as a librarian for West Aurora High School. She was a longtime member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in Aurora. She was a vibrant, active community volunteer for organizations such as Holy Angels Church St. Anne Society Unit #16; St. Charles Hospital (Aurora) Auxiliary president where she assisted with the spring fashion show fundraiser; Mercy Hospital volunteer for eighteen years; member of First Advisory Board for Senior Enrichment Programs at Waubonsee Community College; and aided in WWII efforts, locally in several ways. Helen had a lifelong love of anything relating to history, was an avid reader, and bridge player. She will be cherished and will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend, and neighbor. She had a strong faith, was generous, loving, and kind to everyone she encountered.
Helen is survived by five children, M. Eileen Barclay of Aurora, Susanne Kish of Placerville, CA, Sheila (Peter) Hope of Elmhurst, IL, Patricia Kish of Richmond, VA, and Brian (Beth) Kish of Sugar Grove; loved by twelve grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Kish; sons, Darrell A. Kish and David A. Kish; sisters, Jeanne Criswell and Betty Wagner.
A Memorial Mass and celebration of Helen's life will be Saturday, April 9 at Holy Angels Church, 180 S. Russell Avenue, Aurora at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Holy Angels.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Helen's name to Holy Angels Church, 180 S. Russell Avenue, Aurora, 60506 or Hesed House, 659 S. River Street, Aurora, Il 60506