Helen F. Godburn's Obituary
Decatur – Helen Frances Godburn was born on July 15, 1924 to Paul and Frances Henderson in the quaint town of Lake Linden, Michigan on the beautiful upper peninsula. She enjoyed her youth in Michigan with her brother Paul Henderson. At the age of 22 she met her husband, Thomas R. Godburn Jr. and the two were married in Holland, Michigan on June 4th, 1947. They raised their two children, Tom and Mary Ellen between Holland, Michigan and Nanuet, New York. She dedicated herself to her children, family, friends, and church while in her free time enjoyed golf, knitting, camping and baking. They later moved to Decatur, Illinois and Helen was active with Decatur public schools in which she retired from and then spent much of her time traveling with her husband Tom to visit family and friends throughout the country. Helen and Tom lived in Fresno, California after their children were grown and Helen dedicated her time to Fresno State University working in their school book store. Returning to Decatur, she remained devoted to Holy Family Catholic Church and was an active member of the St. Mary’s Auxiliary. On July 16, 2014 Helen was welcomed to her eternal home by our Holy Father. Helen is survived by her brother Paul Henderson and his wife Mary, son- in- law Bob Blanke, 5 grandchildren; Edward Barrett and wife Christine, Michael Barrett and wife Heidi, Jessica Callaghan and husband Greg, Kristin Godburn and Matthew Godburn, her 9 great grandchildren; Ashley Barrett, Violet Barrett, Shane Barrett, Cara Barrett, Gregory Callaghan, Sarah Callaghan, Brian Callaghan, Connor Barrett and Daniel Barrett, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Tom and their two children, Tom and Mary Ellen. She wanted to share her thanks to the St. Mary’s staff for their care while she was there and Imboden Living Center for all of their tender loving care.
Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Helen’s life will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 21, 2014 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2400 S Franklin Street Rd, Decatur, IL, with Very Rev. Joseph Molloy, Celebrant. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, July 20, 2014 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home with a Vigil Prayer Service at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Holy Family School or St. Mary’s Auxiliary.
The family of is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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