Helen A. Shea

Helen A. Shea, 96, of Auburn, died at 5:12 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2014 at St. John's Hospice. Helen was born September 10, 1918 in Springfield, the daughter of Patrick and Sarah McCoo Connolly. She married Len Reynolds and he preceded her in death. She later married William C. Shea and he also preceded her in death. Helen was employed as an inspector for Sangamo Electric and helped operate Shea's Route 66 Museum. She was a member of St. Joseph Church. She was also preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, John, Patrick and Barney Connolly; and sister, Mary Connolly. She is survived by her son, William T. (wife, Rachel) Shea of Springfield; five grandchildren, John W. (wife, Denise) Shea, William C. Shea, Tiffany (husband, Jared) Baker, John W. (wife, Cheri) Harden, and Teresa A. Mayer; four great-grandchildren; Gillian Shea, Jordan Shea, and Clay and Chelby Harden; and sister, Rose Penley of Denver, CO; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2015 at St. Joseph Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield, with Rev. Steven Janoski celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Joseph Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62702.