Obituary of Helen L. Gourley

Age 97, a longtime Joliet resident, passed away Sunday evening, June 1, 2025. She was born January 19, 1928, to the late Mary (Maloney) and William Brooks in Joliet, where she was raised and educated.

Helen is the beloved mother of Robert F. Gourley, Jr, and grandmother of Susan H. Gourley and Allison G. Gourley. She is also the beloved aunt to numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Robert F Gourley, Sr; her parents; brother, Francis Brooks; and sisters, Jane Brooks (Corum) and Rita Brooks (Willard).

Helen retired as an executive secretary for Joyce 7-Up Bottling in Joliet, after several years of dedicated service. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Joliet.

Visitation for Mrs. Gourley will be Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd (at Essington Rd) Joliet. Funeral services will begin Wednesday morning, June 4, 2025, where prayers will begin at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. with Helen's Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Queen of Apostles East Campus (St. Patrick's), 710 W. Marion Street in Joliet. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com,where you can share a favorite memory.