Helena J Cox Pilant

Helena J. Pilant, 98, of Zionsville, IN, formerly of Normal, IL for many years, passed away at 4:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 27, 2011 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis, IN.

She was born February 18, 1913 in Beason, IL, daughter of Benjamin Oney and Louetta Gibson Cox. She married Delbert Lawrence Pilant in April of 1930. He preceded her in death on November 5, 1978. She was also preceded in death by her parents and 10 siblings.

Surviving are one daughter, Susan (Merle) Rose of Zionsville, IN and one son, John (Linda) Pilant of Bloomington, IL. Also surviving are seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Helena retired at age 62 as the manager of the appliance department at Clay Dooley’s in Bloomington.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Normal and a former member of ABWA (American Business Women’s Assoc) and McLean County Home Bureau Association.

Helena truly enjoyed life. She liked gardening, cooking and collecting antiques. Most of all, she loved people, especially children. She defined her life by her personal interactions and took great pleasure in giving, helping and contributing to the happiness of others. She could strike up conversation with the strangers sitting next to her, as if she had known them her entire life. She made close and enduring friendships with neighbors, customers, renters and college students. Her family and friends were the most important part of her life, and she took great delight in their lives and accomplishments.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington, where visitation will be one hour prior to services. The Rev. John McIntosh will officiate. A private interment will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bloomington.

Memorial contributions may be made to Footlite Musicals (Hedback Community Theatre), 1847 N. Alabama, Indianapolis, IN or online at footlite.org/hedbacktothefuture. Online condolences may be submitted to www.EastLawn-Bloomington.com.