Sr. Helen Michael Horne, OP

Springfield Dominican Sister Helen Michael Horne, OP, died on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at Sacred Heart Convent, in the 61st year of her religious profession. She was born in Litchfield and raised in Gillespie, IL, by her parents Michael and Helen (Jatcko) Horne and baptized Mary Joan. She made her profession of vows in 1961, at Sacred Heart Convent.

Remembered most for her dedication to adult spiritual development, Sister Helen Michael gave the first 20 years of her religious life to the education of elementary school students. She taught primary grades in Bradley, IL and middle and junior high students in Duluth, MN. In Assumption, IL, she was both teacher and principal. In Jacksonville, IL, she was principal. In 1981 she left the classroom for the office of religious education for the diocese of Springfield. After six years there and a year of study, she began ministry to adults, providing spiritual renewal, teaching centering prayer, offering courses in Sacred Scripture and liturgy, and providing spiritual direction.

Sister Helen Michael was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Michael; and her sister, Virginia Koch. She is survived by her sister, Dolores Lee of Girard, IL; and her loving nieces, nephews, great- nieces and nephews, friends, and Dominican Sisters.

Visitors are welcome; masks and social distancing required. Visitation: 4:00-5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62704. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. Funeral Mass: 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel with Dominican Father Michael DeTemple, celebrant.

Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at Calvary Cemetery, Springfield.

Mass and graveside services will be streamed. For streaming information watch https://springfieldop.org/sister-helen-michael-horne-op/.

Memorials to honor the memory of Sister Helen Michael may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL, 62704

The Dominican Sisters and the family of Sister Helen Michael are being served by Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.