Helen L. Sparks

Helen was born November 5, 1908 the daughter of Peter and Louise Sullivan Murphy in Carlinville, IL. She married William P. Sparks at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in 1926; he preceded her in death in 1970.

She was a homemaker. She was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for many years. She loved gardening, reading and baking. She was very family oriented and she loved her children.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband William P. Sparks; two sisters: Lucille Pope, Margaret Egan; one brother: John Murphy; one daughter: Juanita Sparks and three sons: Robert, Ronald and William R. Sparks.

She is survived by one daughter: Mary Lou (husband, William) Schlinkert of Cedar Rapids, IA; two sons: Charles Sparks of Springfield, David Sparks of Springfield; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; a niece: Maureen Murphy of Springfield, and several great nieces and great nephews

Friends may call from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, February 1, 2002 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home with a Wake Service at 5 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2002 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with Rev. Peter Harman celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to American Heart Association Midwest Affiliate Memorial and Tributes Program, Dept. 77-3968, Chicago, IL 60678-3968. The family of Helen L. Sparks is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.