Helen Schafer's Obituary
On August 24, 2021 the heavens gained an angel with the passing of Helen Schafer. She reunited with her loving husband of 50 years, Homer Schafer; parents; and her children, Robert and Joyce.
Helen was born on July 29, 1930 in Pinckneyville, IL, a daughter to Jacob and Mary (Mangin) Hagene. On October 15, 1949, she married Homer J. Schafer at St. Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, IL and he preceded her in death on May 5, 2000. Helen worked as a seamstress for the Pinckneyville Garment Factory, Pinckneyville, IL. She helped establish and was an EMT Medic with the Pinckneyville Ambulance Service. Helen was a member of St. Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, IL, where she was a member of the Catholic Daughters and the St. Bruno Quilter's Club. In 1987, she was the recipient of the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award that was given by the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce. She was very active in the Republican Party and Republican Women. Helen loved traveling, quilting, and spending time with her family and grandkids. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include two daughters, Lois Heisner of Pinckneyville, IL, Jean (Steve) Millikin of Okawville, IL; six grandchildren, David (Elisa) Raines, Jeana Raines, Juli (TJ) Williams, Bettina Cox, Katie McDaniel and Jayne Ballantyne (fiancé, Kris Pendl); and eleven great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by seven brothers, Francis, Clarence, Louis, Jacob, Lawrence, Raymond and Carl; and three sisters, Catherine Hagler, Marcella Hagene, and Mary Ann Matychowiak .
Funeral services will be held at St Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Augustine Ibezimako officiating. Interment will be in St. Bruno Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL.
Visitation will be at St Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The rosary will be recited 8:45 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Bruno Catholic Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL, St Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, IL or Masses.
Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL has been entrusted with arrangements.
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?