Obituary of Helen Talarico

Helen Ann Talarico (nee Govednik) Age 88, of Morris,IL passed away peacefully at Park Pointe Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Saturday October 3, 2015. Helen was born December 12, 1926 to the late Mary (nee Skufca) and Martin Govednik, proud Slovenian immigrants, in Joliet where she resided for many years. She also resided in East Moline, IL and Palm Harbor, FL. Beloved mother of Thomas F. (Jeanne) Talarico of Morris, IL, Gary M. (Linda) Talarico of New York City and Mary Jo (Brad) Talarico-Gehn of Geneseo, IL. Loving grandmother of Matthew (Anna) Talarico, Elizabeth Talarico, Alexander Talarico, Lily Talarico and step-grandson Adam (Jenny) Gehn. Proud great-grandmother of Sofia and Nicholas Talarico and Hannah Rager; and step-great-grandson, Gage Gehn. Dear sister of Lorraine "Lovey" (William) Colonna of Crest Hill, IL and Richard (Diana) Govednik of Racine, WI. Loving aunt of many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Thomas J. Talarico (2010), her parents and siblings, Martin Govednik, Raymond Govednik, Genevieve Talarico, Frances Allen and Bernadette Cavato. Helen worked most of her adult life as an accountant for local businesses in Joliet and the Quad Cities, not only to help provide a great life for her children, but because she loved her work. She was an independent woman, liberated before the word came into use. She was always there for her children, attending all their athletic games and important events in their lives. Helen was an avid golfer, and loved playing cards, especially bridge, her favorite, euchre and the favorite game of her mother and father, pinochle. She was also a compassionate person, sharing a passion for politics with her husband, and was a well-informed loyal Democrat. She was famous for her homemade pizza and spaghetti sauce but also made the best Slovenian potica in the world. The Talarico family will forever be grateful to the staffs of Park Pointe Assisted Living, the Rehab and Nursing Center and Joliet Area Community Hospice for the loving care and comfort provided to Helen. Funeral services for Helen Talarico will be held Friday October 9, 2015, 9:00 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Drive, Morris, to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 516 E. Jackson St., Morris where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. Visitation Thursday from 4 - 8 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name can be made to Joliet Area Community Hospice. For information (815) 942-5040.