Helen Dierks Neenan

Helen Dierks Neenan (90) died peacefully on October 17, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on October 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Visitation Catholic Church, 5141 Main Street, with a private burial at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be October 19, beginning with the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Visitation Church.

Helen was born July 7, 1922 in Kansas City, Missouri, the eighth of eleven children of Katherine and Harry Dierks. She was devoted throughout her life to Jim, her beloved husband of 44 years who died in 1987, to their twelve children, and to her Catholic faith. She was a graduate of St. Teresa’s Academy and College (now Avila) and a lifelong member of Visitation parish.

As a member of the “Greatest Generation,” she sent her husband off to World War II and was grateful for his safe return, embracing her era’s patriotism, fidelity and thrift. She was the epitome of motherhood, always loving and encouraging. Nothing was more important to her than her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the heart, soul and glue of the Neenan clan. Her legacy is her family which will continue to grow and thrive by God’s grace and with her inspiration from above.

Helen was loving, wise, selfless and humble and strove to live her faith every day. She shunned the spotlight, yet had tremendous influence in her community far beyond the limits of her family. Throughout her life and even in her final illness, she was always grateful for her many blessings.

She was preceded in death by her husband James P. Neenan, daughter-in-law Belle Neenan, grandchildren Stephen Neenan, Teresa Neenan and Ian Shively, her parents, brothers and sisters and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law.

She is survived by her children Mike (Linda) Neenan, Kitty (Bo) Steed, Mary (Brian Mills) Neenan, Fr. Benedict Neenan, O.S.B., Peggy (Bill) Oades, Jean (Russ Small) Neenan, Patty (Jim) Aylward, Joe Neenan, John (Karen) Neenan, Jim (Nancy) Neenan, Bob (Marie) Neenan, Martha (John) Franke, 66 grandchildren and their spouses, 84 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Dorothy Mermis, Irene Dierks, and Kathryn Dierks and brothers-in-law William E. Clarkson and Frank Andrews and his wife, Maxine, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Goodbye Mom. We will miss your quiet strength, reassuring touch and enduring love.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Conception Abbey or St. Teresa’s Academy. Please offer condolences at www.mcgillaystatelinechapel.com.