ROCKFORD – Helen Leona Magnuson, 94, passed away on Sunday, July 22, 2018. Born on June 6, 1924 to John and Lillie (Lundeen) Magnuson.
She graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 1941 and was the May Day Queen that year. In 1946 she graduated from Swedish American Hospital School of Nursing and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Rockford College in 1959. She worked at the Public Health Department, Rockford Memorial Hospital, and for many years was the school nurse at Hononegah School District, retiring in 1989.
Survivors include her sister, Eleanor Burk, 96, in Mt. Miguel Covenant Village in Spring Valley, Calif., and her cousin, Harold Magnuson’s (deceased) daughters, Mary Lyon, Nancy Lyon, and Ann Ganong who thoroughly enjoyed Helen’s company and being able to care for Helen in her last several years.
She had a delightful wit and exhibited the values of a Christian woman devoted to her Lord Jesus Christ. She never had a negative word to say about anyone. She loved to read, especially biographies and often bemoaned that she never got anything done when she had a book in her hands. She loved her hymns and was able to recite many from memory. We’ll miss you, Helen.
Helen was predeceased by her parents and several cousins.
She was a member of Frist Presbyterian Church since 1962 and served as a deaconess and on several committees. She lived at Siena on Brendenwood the last 15 years and had several good friends there. She was also close to Jane, her in home care giver.
Cremation will take place and internment in Stillman Valley Cemetery. At Helen’s request, there will be no service. Memorials in Helen’s name may be made to the Rockford Rescue Mission. Arrangements were made through Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Stillman Valley. “It is well with my Soul.”
