Helen Phillips

Our mother, Helen, departed this earthly world on September 19, 2026, for her new residence in Heaven. Now, she is free from all her pain, physical limitations and elderly restrictions. While we will miss her greatly and never, ever forget her, we know she’s in the presence of God, Jesus, our loving father Harry, brother Bob and nephew Bobby plus all of her sisters and brothers.

Helen was born to Simeon and Sophie Kushuk on April 22, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois and resided there until early adulthood. She met and married the love of her life, Harry Phillips, in 1950. Together, they became parents of three children, Katherine, Robert, and David.

Desiring to live outside of a metropolitan area, they moved to Moline, Illinois and settled into a life of childrearing, home ownership and community activities. Throughout these years Helen never lost her close connection to her birth family, visited them often and remained involved with their lives.

Our father passed on quite suddenly at far too young of an age. While our mother’s life was impacted greatly by his loss, she continued as the loving matriarch of our family enjoying her home, neighbors and an occasional bingo game.

As age began to set in, Helen relocated to Arizona living with Katherine and her husband. She made new friends easily and joined knitting and card clubs. She was a prolific knitter and created hundreds of baby blankets and caps for newborns which were distributed through local hospitals.

We feel the loss of our mother deeply. Yet, we know that her life was well lived. There were many fun times filled with smiles and laughter as well as sad times and poignant memories. We ask God to bless her and that the light of her life guides us through ours.

Kathy & Gary and David & Kim

A memorial service will be held at Noon on Wednesday October 7, 2026, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Inurnment will follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.