GLEN CARBON — Phyllis Kay Polender (nee Helfer), 81, adored wife of Westley J. Polender, Sr., of Wheaton, Illinois, passed away Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, released from Alzheimer's disease and made new in heaven through her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born June 12, 1938, to parents Harold and Waldine Helfer, she grew up happily in Glen Carbon, Illinois, with siblings Don, Judy and Max.

After pursuing a bachelor's degree in Social Work at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Phyllis moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she fell in love with and married her husband of almost 59 years. Together, in Wheaton, Illinois, they created a loving home and close family with their three children, Westley, Jr., Kristi and Kelly. Phyllis was a devoted wife and mother and was the heart of her family.

She served as a special education teacher's aide for School District 200 for 20 years, primarily at Emerson Elementary School in Wheaton, where she loved and made better the lives of countless children.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Westley Polender, Sr; children, Westley (Vinessa) Polender, Jr., of Charlottesville, Virginia, Kristi (Tom) Schild of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Kelly (Adam) Miller of Galena, Ohio; grandchildren, Meghan (Gregg), Brad (Katie), Nicholas, Gavin, Jack and Kay; step-grandchildren, Tiffany and Molly; great-granddaughter, Liliana; step-great-grandson, Oliver; brother, Max (Linda) Helfer of Glen Carbon, Illinois; and many loved in-laws, nephews and nieces.

A celebration of life service will be scheduled at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Edwardsville Intelligencer from Feb. 28 to Mar. 1, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Polender

3 Entries

Allan &

March 1, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Joanne Mccollim

March 1, 2020

Phyllis always had a kind word and a hug for me. I enjoyed my visits with her. Ray and I have all who love her in our prayers. May all the good memories give inner peace at this sad time.

February 29, 2020

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

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