Helen Marie Hillstrom - Comiskey

1932 - 2025

Helen Marie Hillstrom - Comiskey
Born: February 22, 1932 in Oak Park, IL
Died: February 26, 2025 in Huntley, IL
Helen Marie (Dougherty) Hillstrom-Comiskey of Huntley, formerly of Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2025, at the age of 93.
Helen was born on February 22, 1932, in Oak Park, IL, to Joseph and Marie (Kind) Dougherty. She grew up in Oglesby, IL, and graduated from LaSalle-Peru Township High School in 1949. She then earned her nursing degree from St. Mary's School of Nursing in LaSalle, IL, in 1952. In 1987, she proudly completed her Bachelor's degree at St. Francis University in Joliet, IL.
In 1952, Helen met Dr. William J. Hillstrom in Chicago. They married in June of 1954 and moved to Crystal Lake, where he established his medical practice. They raised their six children on Leonard Parkway, enjoying life on the lake until Dr. Hillstrom's retirement in 1984. Helen lovingly cared for him until his passing in March of 1995.
In 1999, Helen found love again, marrying William F. Comiskey of Utica, IL, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Together, they shared a wonderful life, splitting their time between Florida and Crystal Lake until his passing in December of 2007.
Helen was deeply devoted to her community. In 1960, she established the health program at St. Thomas the Apostle School and volunteered as the school nurse for 22 years. She served as secretary of the Crystal Lake Civic Center Authority for 32 years and held leadership roles as president of the Sherman Hospital Auxiliary (1982–1984) and the Service League of Crystal Lake (1985–1988). A founding member of the Raue Center for the Arts, she served on its original Board of Directors and as its Director for eight years.
Beyond her professional and volunteer work, Helen enjoyed knitting, playing bridge, and socializing at the Crystal Lake Country Club. She was a proud member of Chapter LD of PEO for 25 years. In her later years, she found joy in spending time with her children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. Since 2020, she thrived as a resident of Huntley Springs Retirement Community, where she started the happy hour club, the movie selection committee, and a competitive bridge group.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Joseph, Philip, and Richard; her sisters-in-law, Lois and Lorraine; her stepson, Brian; her son-in-law, David Shapiro; and her beloved granddaughter, Victoria.
She is survived by her six children, three stepchildren, 18 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and two step-great-grandchildren. Her children include Bill Hillstrom of Houston, TX, and his children, Heather, William Jr., and Annie; Linda Shapiro of Westport, CT, and her children, Hannah, Abbie, and Sam; Robert Hillstrom of Bradenton, FL, and his children, Patrick and Sara; Tom (Mary) Hillstrom of New Tazewell, TN, and their children, George, Thomas, and Henry; Laura (Dan) Hillstrom of Niwot, CO, and their children, Jay, Charlie, and Peter; and Jim (Julie) Hillstrom of Kenosha, WI, and their children, Mollie, Katie, Joseph, and Matthew. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Natalie (Heather), Alden and George (Hannah), Scarlett (Abbie), Penelope (Patrick), and Marigold (Sara). Her stepchildren include Margaret Comiskey of Peru, IL; Thomas Comiskey of Milwaukee, WI; and Kerry (Amity) Comiskey of Hinsdale, IL, as well as her stepdaughter-in-law, Mary Comiskey of Pingree Grove, IL.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 5, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Route 176), Crystal Lake. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 6, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, followed by interment at Crystal Lake Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
Please visit www.davenportfamily.com to leave a fond memory of Helen on her tribute wall.