Born as Helen E. Fernstrom, she was the daughter of John W. Fernstrom and Elva E. Fernstrom (Crenshaw), and later adopted daughter to Norman M. St. John. Helen was the loving mother of Kimberly A.(Robert) Canman; dear sister of Kenneth L. Fernstrom, Linda S.(James) Schloderback, John W.(Angie) St. John; dear aunt of Janine M. Mistretta and other nieces and nephews; and very special friend to so many. She was preceded in death by her sister Janice R. St. John; and nephews Sean and Michael Mistretta.
Helen graduated from Evanston High School and spent her early adulthood in Des Plaines, IL and later Mt. Prospect, IL where she worked in the food service industry. She later moved to and retired in Roselle, IL where she worked many years as a successful leasing consultant, having received several awards for outstanding performance.
Helen was a courageous, beautiful and classy woman who maintained her great sense of humor, quick wit and dignity through her 20-year fight with cancer. Even at her most challenging times, she would give of herself to help others. She had a special gift to rely on her life experiences to offer guidance in a subtle and caring way. Her belief in life was, “it takes both rain and sun to make a rainbow”. Spending time with Helen was sure to put things in perspective, lift your spirits and comfort your soul.
She was passionate about family and was undeniably the glue that held everything and everyone together. She welcomed friends as part of our family gatherings, ensuring everyone felt loved and left with a full stomach and smile. Putting her heart and soul into everything she did was the cornerstone of her life and you could feel this in the wonderful meals she would prepare and thoughtful gifts she would give.
Helen was very artistic and known for her creative touches with home decorating and green thumb. She developed a passion for coloring and embellishing coloring book illustrations, creating ornate and personalized art as gifts for family and friends.
Her biggest pride and joy in life was being a Mother and best friend to her daughter, Kimberly. As a Mother, she always ensured that our home was warm and loving. She taught me to be strong, appreciative and compassionate in life. I was her angel on earth, now she is mine in heaven watching over me until we see each other again.
A private graveside service will be held at St. John Cemetery in Arlington Heights on June 26, 2020. Family is planning for a celebration of life gathering later this summer. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Wellness House 131 N. County Line Rd Hinsdale IL 60521 or Wellnesshouse.org.
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