Helen J. Young

Helen J. Young, age 57, of Peoria, passed away at 1:31 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2014, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois. She was born September 27, 1956, in Peoria, the daughter of Harold and Betty (Dutton) Young. They preceded her in death. Helen leaves behind cousins and many, many friends, including friends at the First United Methodist Church in Peoria where she was a member.

Helen earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Bradley University in 1978. She most recently worked as an independent CPA/consultant and previously worked in public accounting and the property/casualty insurance industry for more than 30 years. She began her career at the public accounting firm of Ginoli and Company in Peoria. From 1984 to 2007, she enjoyed a career at RLI Insurance Company, organizing the first tax department within the company early in her career.

A dedicated Director on the CEFCU Board for 15 years, Helen held positions on all standing committees, including Board Chairman. Helen extended her volunteer service as an honored member of the Illinois Governor’s Credit Union Board of Advisors.

As a lifelong professional, Helen was a member of the AICPA, Illinois CPA Society, Institute of Internal Auditors, and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Helen received the 1992 Prescott E. Bloom Memorial Distinguished Service Award and was listed in the Outstanding Young Women of America.

Helen has been involved in charitable and not-for-profit activities for many years, and is a former board member of: Peoria Area Community Foundation, American Red Cross, Goodwill Industries, Family House, Tri-County WomenStrength, Peoria Area Tri-Centennial Celebration, KARNA, Bradley University Associate Board of Trustees, and very active with the Friends of Friedrichshafen. She was past President of the Junior League of Peoria, the Bradley University National Alumni Association, and the Central Illinois Bradley Alumni Chapter. Helen was actively involved with Bradley University as part of the Alumni Association, Council of Advisors, Chief’s Club, Centennial Steering Committee, and Centennial Campaign. She was the 2003 Billy Stone Award winner for service to Bradley athletics. Helen established the Helen J. Young Scholarship at Bradley to assist student athletes majoring in business. Her community involvement also includes fund drives for Easter Seals, St. Jude, WCBU, WTVP, and Lakeview Museum.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 4, 2014, at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. prior to the services. Cremation rites will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Helen J. Young Community Fund at CEFCU, P.O. Box 1715, Peoria, IL 61656. Online condolences may be made at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com.