Helen Louise Birk, 93, of Flora, Illinois, passed away early Thursday morning, September 26, 2019, at Flora Gardens Care Center.

   Born May 20, 1926, in Douglas County, IL, she was the daughter of the late Scott and Sara (Wilson) Whalen.  Helen was preceded in death by her husband Floyd Dean Birk; her parents; two brothers, Herschel (Annie, deceased) Whalen and Herman (Marcella) Whalen; and two sisters, Hester (Lee, deceased) Birch and Henrietta (Van, deceased) Hensley.

   Helen’s survivors are her two children, Patsy Birk of Olney and LaVerl Birk of Flora, and her sister, Hazel Conover, who recently turned 100 years old.

   Helen had loving relationships with all her nieces and nephews including many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

   Helen has lived the past several years in the Flora area.  She loved her trinkets and, at one time, loved going to garage sales.  She was a past member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.  But most of all she loved her children, devoting her entire life to them.  Her love for Patsy and LaVerl was immeasurable.  Their happiness was what mattered to Helen more than anything else. Her daily thoughts were always of her kids, first and foremost.

   A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, September 30, 2019, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Frank Stockon officiating.  Interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Mattoon.  Visitation will be 10 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to a fund to benefit Helen’s children, and you may contact the funeral home for more information.