Dunlap IL - Helen Louise McIntyre Crain came into this world on March 1, 1932, the 7th of 8 children born to Bernard and Edith (Savage) McIntyre. Helen graduated from Princeville High School and later married Maurice Ralph Crain on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1955. Maury was the love of her life and her rock for 45 years until his death on April 17, 2000.

Helen was also preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Leo, Don, Art, Ileen, Betty, Lois, and one infant sibling. Her son, Richard, passed in 2017.

She is survived by her daughter, Ellen (Mark) Balagna of Trivoli IL, grandsons Austin Davies (Jessica Burress) of Peoria IL, Chase Davies of Virginia Beach VA, step-grandchildren Jennifer (Ron) Williamson of Canton IL, Joshua (Ashley) Balagna of Canton IL and great-grandsons Orion Davies, Finn Burress, Joel Fleisch, Jaydon Fleisch and great-granddaughter Andi Balagna. Also surviving are her brother-in-law, Joe Rogers of Peoria IL and sister-in-law Dorothy McIntyre of Greeley CO. Helen also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, in addition to her granddog, Katie.

Helen worked at the meat locker plant in Princeville prior to her marriage to Maury. She then enjoyed many years as a wife, homemaker, and mother. Helen and Maury lived in Canton IL when they first married, moving several times afterward depending on Maury’s career with IBM. They lived in Wappingers Falls NY for two years prior to settling down in Hanna City IL for nearly five decades. She served as dispatcher with the Hanna City Police Department for much of that time. Some of her favorite hobbies included painting landscapes, baking delicious sweets (especially pies and cookies), canning vegetables and jams, flower gardening, hosting family dinners, and camping with family and friends. Helen loved country music, especially Garth Brooks. She was an avid bowler for many years, winning loads of trophies and awards for her well-honed skills. She loved almost any kind of game…whether it was cards, dice, dominoes, boards, or marbles…she was always up for a good game and loved a friendly but lively competition. Her soft laughter and ornery Irish smile kept the fun times rolling. Especially if she found out you rooted for the Cubs, since she was an avid Cardinals fan! Her teasing was always in good humor. Helen was a “Volunteer Angel” for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program for several years at the Hanna City United Methodist Church. Many of her dear friendships began in that program.

Graveside service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, IL. Pastor Walter Wilkins will officiate. Memorials may be made to Nurses Caring for People 11200 N. Daniel Ct. Dunlap, IL 61525. Everyone is invited to Childers Banquet & Event Center, 3113 Dries Lane, Peoria, IL. Seating will start at 11:15 AM. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com