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Helen Cortright
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Helen Cortright Obituary
URBANA - Helen Jean Bradbury Cortright, 97, of Urbana passed away Friday (Aug. 15, 2025) surrounded by her family.
Helen was born in Monticello on Oct. 11, 1927, to Leo and Leah (Rhodes) Bradbury. Shortly after, 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 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 Nov. 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 Mello, 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 morganmemorialhome.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Cortright
2 Entries
Kathleen
Yesterday
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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