HELEN MARIE BANNON

1923 - 2011

Helen Marie Bannon, 87, of DeKalb, passed away on March 16, 2011. Born May 16, 1923 in Pittsburgh, Pa., the daughter of Carl Albert and Katherine (Fabian) Hotz, Helen spent her early years in Sheridan, Pa., graduating from Langley High School. She later married Gerard A. Bannon on Aug. 10, 1945.
When Gerard became ill, they moved to Phoenix, Ariz. for his health, only to return to Pittsburgh before his death and the birth of their child in 1949. Helen resided in Pittsburgh until her marriage to Bernard A. Bannon Jr. on Aug. 20, 1951. His job led them to Rochester, N.Y., Baltimore, Md., Fullerton, Calif. and Glenview, Ill., finally settling in Mundelein where they retired.
She was a wonderful mother, always an active participant in her children's school activities, filling roles as room mother, chaperone, fundraising chair and other volunteer positions. She was also a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader for many years. She and Bernie were avid bridge players in several church sponsored leagues. When her mother and father fell sick, she brought them to Illinois to live with her, and she was their constant caregiver.
She and Bernie enjoyed many miles of road trips especially through the Southwest with the Grand Canyon being a special place to stop. They moved to Oak Crest Nursing Center in 2002 to be closer to family. The biggest joys of her life was her four beautiful granddaughters, known affectionately as her "little chicks."
She is survived by her son, Gerard (Karen) Bannon of Libertyville; daughter, Barbara (Norman) Larson of DeKalb; four granddaughters, Sara Bannon and fiancé Steven Luker of Salt Lake City, Utah, Keely Bannon of Denver, Colo., Jeanine Larson and Renee Larson of DeKalb.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard; and one sister, Virginia Connelly.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 25, in the Vista Room at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center, 2944 Greenwood Acres Drive, DeKalb. Memorials can be made to any children's charities in Helen's name.
Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., Quiram Sycamore Chapel. To share a memory or send a condolence, visit www.OlsonFH.com or for information call 815-895-6589.