Helen W. Burden

Born May 18, 1939 in Green Valley to Clifford and Florence (Neville) McGinnis, she married Lawrence Burden on August 21, 1982 in Danvers. He survives.

Also surviving are five children, Danny McClure of Pekin, Denny (Kim) Reed of Green Valley, Doris (Mark) Lee of Morton, Dania (Tim) Welch of Florida and Darin Reed of Pekin; nine grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and one sister, Betty Orndorff of Pekin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Margaret Stanberry, Dorene Havens and Dorothy (James) Fryman; three brothers, Cliff McGinnis, Dick McGinnis and Delmar McGinnis; one grandson, Tony Reed and one daughter-in-law, Florence McClure.

Helen had a full working career. She had worked at Caterpillar, Inc. for over 20 years in Illinois and Florida, as well as at the American Distilling Company in Pekin for seven years. She last worked as a CNA for five years, retiring in 2000.

She was a collector and enjoyed doing latch-hook, making seashell crafts and working puzzles. Helen participated in bowling leagues and tournaments.

She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pekin. She was a former member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Manito, where she had played the piano and organ.

Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Daniel J. Bishop will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Gaines Cemetery in rural Minier.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com