Helen McGuire Solon

Helen McGuire Solon, age 99, originally from Streator, IL died at 3:30 a.m. on Friday, August 18, 2017, in Marietta, Georgia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 A.M. Friday, November 3, 2017 at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator. Msgr. Philip Halfacre will officiate.

There will be no visitation. Cremation rites have been accorded.

The Solon-Telford Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Helen was born on February 28, 1918, in Streator, IL, the daughter of Thomas Peter, and Mary Louise Ryan McGuire. She married Leonard B. Solon on Jan. 16, 1941, in the Immaculate Conception Church in Streator. He preceded her in death in 1985. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother Thomas Jerome (Pauline), her sisters Margaret (Oscar) Lorenz, Ruth (James L.) Schopp) and Jean (Kenneth) Hoffmaster, her daughter Sarah Solon, her daughter-in-law Melva Chalfant Solon and a grandson, Thomas P. Solon, Jr.

Helen is survived by her son Thomas P. Solon, of Danville, IL, and two daughters: Peggy Solon Reed of Altadena CA. and Jean Solon Scott of Smyrna, GA. Eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild survive her: Susan D. Solon of Springfield, IL, Bret L. Reed and Rachel A. Reed of Altadena, CA, Allison K. Scott of New York, NY, Karin Scott Ewbank of Atlanta, GA, Steven P. Scott of London, UK, Russell E. Reed of Pasadena, CA, Robert M. Scott of Atlanta, GA and Angela E. Solon of Springfield, IL (great-granddaughter). Surviving nieces are Sheila M. Bunting, Normal, IL, Kathleen M. Wolfe, Davenport, IA, Mary L. Stroup, Mesquite, TX, Mary S. Lee, Indialantic FL; nephews are T. Peter McGuire, Riverdale, GA, Patrick J. McGuire, Streator, IL, John W, McGuire, Salem, IL, William Schopp, Pensacola, FL.

Helen attended local schools and graduated salutatorian of the SHS Class of 1936. She raised her four children in Streator, where her husband Leonard owned the Solon Insurance Agency for 39 years. After his death, she began a career as an advertising writer for Opdycke’s. In 1988, she moved to Laguna Hills, CA and worked as a security officer until 2006.

She was a person of deep religious faith. She inspired her children with a love of learning and a strong work ethic. All her life, she loved meeting new people and being of service to others. She was an accomplished baker, cook and storyteller who loved a good joke and a strong drink.

After retiring at age 88, she relocated to be near her daughter Jean, son-in-law David and four of her grandchildren. Above all things, spending time with family was her true lifelong passion. She was loved and respected by everyone who knew her, and we will all miss her.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com

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Mass of Christian Burial

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church

Friday November 3rd, 2017

11:30am

801 Lundy St
Streator, IL 61364

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