Helen T. Ancona

Born March 29, 1931, in Cairo, IL, Helen was a 1949 graduate of Bosse high school where she met her husband, Tom. They were married in 1950 and shortly thereafter, moved to Manhattan, Kansas while Dad served in the US Army at Ft. Riley. Upon his discharge, they returned to Evansville to start a family in 1954 and together, they celebrated 65 years of marriage until his death in 2016.

Helen lived and led a remarkably full life. Besides being an extraordinarily loving mother, wife and homemaker, she served with distinction as Executive Director of the Reitz Home where her steadfast leadership ensured the legacy of this prominent family while sharing her passion and extensive knowledge of the gilded age. She served as president of the Musician’s Club of Evansville where she championed the arts with energy and conviction. Her work reflected not only her administrative excellence but her life-long love of the performing arts. Her community commitment extended through her involvement with the Visiting Nurses Association supporting compassionate healthcare and advocacy for those most in need, and her faith community greatly benefited from her creative, culinary and organizational skills coordinating receptions and countless congregational special events at Bethel United Church of Christ, her church for over 50 years. With style and grace, she turned ordinary gatherings into elegant celebrations.

Helen was preceded in death by her mother Alma I. Tompkins Burrow, father Glenn A. Tompkins, husband Thomas D., and half-brother William C. Burrow, Jr.

She is survived by her two sons Thomas D. Ancona, Jr. (Donna), John C. Ancona, (F. Warren Quarles), grandchildren Chelsea Ancona and fiancé Michael Cushwa, James Ancona and close family member and friend, Sue Bengert.

The family would like to extend their thanks for the extraordinary care our mother received from the River Pointe care team, Tamara, Laura, Stephanie, Shirley, Amanda, Rita and Madison and for the empathy and compassion of the Heart to Heart Hospice team Laura, Kelli, Jennifer and Scott. We are profoundly grateful.

To honor our mother’s extraordinary legacy of cooking, her love for animals, books and children, in lieu of sending flowers, bake a batch of cookies for a friend, feed a hungry animal or take a moment to read a story to a child. It’s these simple gestures that bring joy to others while extending kindness, generosity and grace beyond measure.

Should you choose, donations would be welcome at It Takes A Village Rescue, Willard Public Library or Bethel UCC (Comfort Committee), all located in Evansville, IN.

A private graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.