Helen M May

Born April 6, 1922 in Pekin to Lazzaro and Rosina (Leo Nelli) Gianessi, she married James Mack May on October 23, 1949 in Pekin. He died May 18, 2004 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by one brother, Bruno Gianessi.

Surviving are two sisters, Dolly (Walter) Rivord and Norma Kline, both of Pekin; two nieces, Rose L. Hutter of Manito and Norma J. (Jack) Zaayenga of Pekin; one nephew, Walter P. "Butch," Jr. (Vivian) Rivord of Pekin and two grandnephews, Darrell D. (Carol) Hutter of Pekin and Terry L. (Beth) Hutter of Manito.

Helen was a beauty operator for 51 years.

Helen was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, where she was a member of the Council of Catholic Women. She also was a member of the Pekin Women of the Moose Chapter 673 and the William Schaefer American Legion Post 44 Ladies Auxiliary in Pekin. Helen was a former member of the Italian-American Society.

She enjoyed ballroom dancing, fishing and gardening.

Her funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2008at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Father Timothy Nolan will officiate. There will be no visitation. Entombment will be in the Glendale Memorial Gardens Chapel of Dreams. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.