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BORN
1931
DIED
2020
Helen McVey Obituary
ROXANA — Helen Joanne McVey, 89, of Roxana, Illinois, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, Aug. 15, 2020, in her home with family and her loving husband Donald by her side.
Helen was born April 8, 1931, in Litchfield, Illinois, to the late Kenneth and Gladys Nail. She attended Roxana High School and Shurtleff College in Alton, Illinois.
Helen married her high school sweetheart Donald McVey on Nov. 25, 1951, who called her "the prettiest girl in school".
Helen was employed as a secretary at the Brown Shoe Company in St. Louis, Missouri, and secretary to the treasurer of the Olin Corporation in East Alton.
Helen was an adoring wife and dedicated mother. She treasured her husband and her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially cherished her role as Grandma. She had a vivacious personality and wonderful sense of humor. She loved singing and was a member of the Sweet Adelines ladies barber shop quartet of Alton. She also enjoyed quilting, playing the piano, watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and was an active member of Faith Baptist Church in Godfrey, Illinois.
Helen is survived by her husband, Donald; her four children (and their spouses), Kent & Laura McVey of Topsail Beach, North Carolina, Lisa & Dale Johnson of Littleton, Colorado, Mark & Darla McVey of Hanover Park, Illinois, and Dana McVey of Cornelius, North Carolina; her 16 grandchildren: Brenda Martin, Chessie Martinez, Joanna Malm, Matthew Johnson, Timothy Johnson, Laura Johnson, Mark Johnson, Nathan Johnson, Bethany Johnson, Christina Johnson, Kyle McVey, Jason McVey, Emily Taylor, Kate Plummer, and Marissa McVey-Plummer; and her 13 great-grandchildren, Timothy, Madyline, Breydon, Michael, Parker, Albert, Ginger, Charles, Eric, Zoe, Hayley, Daniel, and David—all of whom she loved and touched deeply.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service was held for family on Monday, Aug.17, at Bethany Cemetery in Godfrey, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mississippi Valley Christian School.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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