Helene Rachford

Helene T. Rachford, 84, of Springfield, died at 9:48 a.m. on Monday, November 28, 2011 at St. John's Hospice. Helene was born June 11, 1927 in Springfield, the daughter of John and Mary Glennon Buckles. She married Hugh Rachford on January 20, 1951 at the Cathedral. He preceded her in death in 1995. Helene was a 1945 graduate of Sacred Heart Academy and worked at Sangamo Electric for several years. She later was a teacher at St. Aloysius School for 12 years. She retired in 1991 from the Illinois Department of Revenue after 16 years of service. She was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, St. Louise de Marillac Guild, and AARP. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Leonard and John Lee Buckles; one sister, Genevieve Hughes; and son-in-law, Leonard Maze. She is survived by her daughter, Terri Maze of Springfield; granddaughter, Christine (fianc, Ross Graham) Maze of New York, NY; several nieces, including Katie Hughes of Springfield, and several nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Kirlin-Egan &Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. Concelebrated Funeral Mass: 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 2, 2011 at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence, Springfield, with Rev. Peter Harman, principal celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, P.O. Box 1665, Springfield, IL 62705 and Holy Family Food Pantry, 1023 East Washington St., Springfield, IL 62703.