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BORN
1927
DIED
2025
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Helen Cortright Obituary
October 11, 1927 - August 15, 2025
URBANA - Helen Jean Bradbury Cortright, 97, of Urbana, Ill. passed away Thursday, August 15, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Helen was born in Monticello, Ill., on October 11, 1927, to Leo and Leah (Rhodes) Bradbury. Shortly afterward, the family moved to LeRoy, where Helen attended elementary school and high school through her sophomore year. She had many fond memories of growing up in LeRoy. After her family moved to Decatur, Helen resumed her studies at Decatur High School, later transferring to St. Teresa High School, from which she graduated in 1945.
As WWII was ending, but military nurses were still needed, Helen enlisted in the Cadet Nurse Corps, receiving her training through the St. Joseph School of Nursing in Bloomington. After earning her Registered Nurse's license, she returned to Decatur to work as a surgical nurse at St. Mary's Hospital.
She married the love of her life, Dean Cortright, on November 30, 1957, at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Bethany. In 1960, they moved to Argenta, where they brought up their six children.
Helen enjoyed writing poetry and short stories as well as solving puzzles. She was an avid Illini fan, becoming a Green Bay Packers fan as well after her four sons moved to Wisconsin. She is survived by her husband, Dean, to whom she was married for nearly 68 years, as well as her children, Leo (Patricia) Cortright, Carol (James) Mellon, Rebecca Cortright, Brian (Kathryn) Cortright, Blaine (Julene) Cortright, and Brad (Jennifer) Cortright.
She enjoyed following the activities of her grandchildren, Matthew (Amber) Mellon, Christopher (Angela Nguyen) Mellon, Elizabeth (Roberto Pinheiro) Mellon, Mary Mellon, Sarah (Michael Nemire) Mellon, Claire Cortright, Joel Cortright, Leo Cortright, Lauren Cortright, Autumn Cortright, Sean Cortright, Leah Cortright, Julian Cortright, and Fallon Cortright, as well as her five great-grandchildren, Benjamin Klaene, Mark Mellon, Ann (Gabriel) Hunt, Patrick Mellon, and Jonas Pinheiro, and her great-great granddaughter, Madeline Hunt.
She was preceded in death by a grandson, Samuel Cortright; as well as her siblings, Kathryn (John) Moser, Shirley (James) Carlson, Richard (Jeanette) Bradbury, and Roy Bradbury.
Private funeral and burial services will be held at St. Isidore Catholic Church, Bethany. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association or another charity of the donor's choice.
Condolences may be at www.morganmemorialhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Cortright
Sponsored by Morgan Memorial Home.
3 Entries
Tish Badman
Yesterday
Brian & Family, Please accept my deepest of condolences. I remember the big house y'all had, must have been filled with laughter & love growing up
Kathleen
August 20, 2025
Helen attended our CU Poetry meetings many times. She is my inspiration for writing with authenticity and humor and for living a long fruitful life. Truly a Special person. Rest in Peace, Dear Helen.
Helen and Shirley
Stacey Daniel
August 19, 2025
What a FULL life this woman lived surrounded by her beloved family for 97 years! I am praying for you and your entire family Uncle Dean! Like mom, she was mentally "on her game" til the end.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of all of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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