Helen E. (Perugini) Poe
d. August 4, 2020
Helen Elizabeth (Perugini) Poe, age 81, of Sherman, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield surrounded by her family.
Helen was born on May 26, 1939 in Springfield, the daughter of Patrick Joseph and Zelia Elizabeth McQuinn Perugini.
She married Robert Harold Poe on December 27, 1958 in Springfield.
She is survived by her children, Elizabeth Lynn Poe, Deana Poe, and Robert (Heather) Poe; three grandchildren, Shelby Dee (husband Ryan) Warnick, Mary Elizabeth Carter and Michael Poe; six great-grandchildren, Maddie, Mason & Alex Warnick, Anthony, Nick, and Emilee Carter; and many nieces and nephews.
Helen is preceded in death by her father and mother, Patrick J. & Zelia Elizabeth (McQuinn) Perugini in 1990; her siblings, Deanne Kay Perugini Goldsby in 1992 and Melvin Patrick Perugini in 2014; and her beloved husband of 52 years, Robert H. Poe in 2011.
She graduated from Williamsville High School in 1957. She worked many jobs throughout her life, Dr. Chiaradonna’s office, as a cook at the Sherman Grade School, and at St. John’s Hospital where she was named Employee of the Month in 1993. Helen enjoyed helping people. As a constant helper, Helen was a Samaritan at St. John’s, worked with the “Look Good Feel Better” Program, and made scarves for cancer patients. She was a member of the Y-Not Red Hat Society (ya’ll have seen them!)
Her numerous hobbies kept her busy but making lye soap and instructing people on the many uses would be her most favorite thing. She would travel around the countryside with her little dog, Cocoa, taking picture for Find A Grave website, hoping to help others find their loved ones.
Visitation for Helen will be held on Monday, August 17, 2020 from 9:30 until time of funeral mass at 11:00 AM at the St. John Vianney Church in Sherman.
Burial will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery
In leiu of flowers, Helen wishes memorials to be sent to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bcrf.org) & St. John Vianney Church in Sherman.
Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.
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Posted August 6th, 2020 at 8:52 am
Very sorry for your loss of Helen. She was quite the Lady! She sure loved her family ( she welcomed my niece into her family). She was so kind to my Mom when Mom was at Oak Terrace. I really enjoyed chatting with Helen when we lived in Sherman and at “family functions. She will be missed and always fondly remembered! She is rejoicing with her beloved husband and others who passed before her. Fly high Helen!
Posted August 6th, 2020 at 9:13 am
We will miss Helen at St. John’s! She was kind and courageous and a wonderful volunteer, we were blessed to have her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
— The Samaritans of St. John’s Hospital
Posted August 6th, 2020 at 9:32 am
I have known Helen all my life. Her mom and dad were my grandma and grandpas best friends! At one time we were related through marriages! I babysat Lynn and Dena. I loved that spunky and sweet little lady. She had a good heart! I will miss seeing her around. This saddens me greatly. So sorry for such a loss. Love and prayers to her family! Hugs too! RIP Helen!
Posted August 6th, 2020 at 9:50 am
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Helen’s family. Our friendship goes back a long
way and know what a giving person Helen has always been. Our families were always
close with all of us growing up in Sherman and have many fond memories of those times.
And in the past few years have certainly enjoyed visiting with Helen when going to her
home to buy lye soap for my Mother. Know she will be missed greatly by many. RIP Helen..
Posted August 7th, 2020 at 2:01 pm
I am so sorry for you loss. Helen was a very special and kind lady and I was honored to know her. I will miss her bright welcoming “hello” at our Red Hats meeting. You and yours are in my prayers.
Posted August 7th, 2020 at 8:52 pm
I don’t remember your Mother as I was only a little girl when we lived next door to Dr. Chiaradonna’s office. Yet he was my doctor so I’m sure she was
at many appointments. I really want to say that I appreciate her taking her time to visit cemeteries taking pictures for Find A Grave’s website. What a wonderful way to help others learn more about their loved ones. May God Bless You all.
Posted August 8th, 2020 at 7:35 am
So sorry to hear the news. Helen was a beautiful soul. So many childhood memories include her. My deepest sympathies and prayers to Deana, Lynn, Bobby and the rest of the family.
Posted August 8th, 2020 at 9:28 am
To Helen’s dear family,
Your wonderful mother was a gift to many. She was a joy to work with, volunteer with and to chat with at St. John’s Hospital. She will be missed by many. She will be with you in strange and wonderful ways. Thank you for sharing her with so many so often. Peace and all Good, Mary Jo Wasser
Posted August 8th, 2020 at 10:06 am
So sorry for your loss. I know how it is to lose someone so close to you. I pray for you as you grieve your loss. My heart is sad with you. Sending my love .
Posted August 10th, 2020 at 9:08 am
So sorry for loss of your mother, she was a joy to know. I always remember her love of traveling, Covered Bridge Festival and visiting the Amish people in Arthur. We traveled to Italy together she was wanted to visit the village of where her grandfather came from. She will be a great loss.
Posted August 10th, 2020 at 10:07 am
So sorry to read of your loss and extend my deepest sympathy to your family. Your Mom was such an asset to both family and community. I know your loving memories will always keep her with you in your hearts. May God be with you during this sad time.
Posted August 10th, 2020 at 11:10 am
Deanna and family,
I always enjoyed your mother’s bright smile and great energy when I would see her at St. Johns in her Samaritan jacket or with her red hat out to have fun with the girls. I am so sorry for your loss.
Posted August 15th, 2020 at 6:27 pm
So sorry to read of Helen’s passing. One could not ask for a more compassionate and helpful co- worker as Helen always was. Rest in God’s kingdom Helen with peace and comfort. My prayers for the family.
Posted August 17th, 2020 at 8:45 am
Condolences to dear Helen’s beloved family. She was the best Red Hat “Y’NOT” that was the glue for we gals to be there! Attended Red Hat National Conventions with this ‘spunky lady’, who made it so fun to explore big cities with her photo sessions creating great memories! Helen spread Love and had a special smile that welcomed all even in painful times. Gonna miss my dear friend and will Toast her with my Queen Victoria goblet every evening under this moon that will be smiling her smile!
Love everlasting,
Peggy O’Brien