Helen S. Pendergast, 90, of Galesburg, died at 12:45 a.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at Courtyard Estates, Knoxville.Helen was born January 23, 1928 in Galesburg, the daughter of William and Ella (Murray) Shea. She married Robert W. Pendergast on November 5, 1960 in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on January 21, 2005. Helen is survived by two sons, Patrick R. (Debra) and James W. (Karri) Pendergast both of Galesburg; two daughters, Margaret E. (Roger Reynolds) Pendergast of Galesburg and Mary E. (Al Etcheverry) Pendergast of Boulder, WY; and five grandchildren, Shawn Simpson, Jacob and Anna Pendergast, and Kaitlyn and Kayla Pendergast. She is also survived by one sister, Arlene Winbigler of Little York. Along with her husband and parents, Helen was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters.
Helen graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Galesburg and later from Brown’s Business College. She worked at Meadow Gold Creamery and later Admiral’s. After her marriage to Robert she became a homemaker. Helen was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Helen was an avid bowler, bowling with Doris Luallen for 53 years. She enjoyed working in her yard and birdwatching. Most of all Helen enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their events.
The rosary will be prayed at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2018 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Visitation will follow from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral Mass will be Monday, March 5, 2018 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church with Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to Costa Catholic Academy or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
