1919
Helen
2018
Helen Mary Avelis
January 26, 1919 — September 21, 2018
Helen Mary was a lifelong member of St. Benedict's Parish, sang in the choir and was a member of the Altar Society. She was a graduate of St. Benedict's School, Laboratory School and Indiana State Teachers College, where she was homecoming queen of 1939.
She was married to John Avelis from 1943 until his death in 1979. Surviving are her eight children, John (Mary Margaret) of Champaign, IL, Edward (Deborah) of Galveston, IN, Michael (Victoria) of Williamsburg, VA, James (Kim) of Riley, IN, Catherine (Joseph) Ford of Indianapolis, IN, Beth (Randall) Shaw of Brazil, IN, Patrick (Marlene) of Salt Lake City, UT and Therese of Terre Haute, IN; 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Helen Mary loved her large family, gatherings of all kinds and was a magnet to her grandchildren. She greatly enjoyed cooking for her family and spending hours in the kitchen making wonderful meals, the bigger the better. She always loved to read and emphasized the importance of reading to everyone she met. Her love of the outdoors was reflected in a passion for gardening, becoming a Master Gardener in her mid-70's. Helen Mary enjoyed many types of needlework and was a member of the Illiana Embroiderers Guild for several years.
Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 29, 2018 in St. Benedict Catholic Church, 111 South 9th Street, with Father Martin Day, OFM Conv. officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Benedict's Parish, 111 South 9th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807 or to the Vigo County Public Library, 1 Library Square, Terre Haute, IN 47807. Memorial tributes and funeral information may also be found at www.callahanandhughes.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen Mary Avelis, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)
St. Benedict Catholic Church
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