Helen E. Thompson

Helen Evelyn Thompson, Nee, Korba, age 95, of Swansea, IL, born on April 24, 1929, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away on December 18, 2024 at the Benedictine Living Community, Belleville, IL.

Helen was never one to sit still. She was always busy with her amazing seamstress work, various crafting projects, reading, cleaning, organizing and focusing on her strong faith in God by attending daily mass. She was a lifelong member of St. Augustine of Canterbury and Our Lady Queen of Peace parishes and the proud vice president of the East St. Louis High School Class of 1947. Helen held various clerical positions, working at Scott AFB, law offices, and for the American Cancer Society. She also was a PSR teacher for many years at St. Augustine but the most important role to her was as mother and homemaker. Rest assured that Helen is no doubt cleaning and organizing Heaven already.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Christina, Nee Placek, Korba; husband, Howard J. Thompson; son-in-law, Lloyd J. Adams; brothers, Joseph Korba, Henry Korba, Charles Korba; sister, Elsie Klutho.

Helen is survived by her children, Pamela A. Adams, Diane “Diney” Strayhorn, and Mark (Joan) Thompson; grandchildren, Michelle A. Reaves, Douglas M. Reaves, Kelly N. (James) Kirk, Matthew A. (Heather) Strayhorn, Michael J. Baker, Elizabeth J. Baker; great grandchildren, Maddox A. “Max” Kirk, Lillian N. Kirk, Myles J. Strayhorn, Jett M. Strayhorn; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.kasslyfuneral.com.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude or to St. Augustine of Canterbury Church.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, Belleville, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, Belleville, IL. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.

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