Helen Daly
Helen Stuart Daly
11/14/31 – 11/06/17
Helen was born in Ayr, Scotland. She grew up in a large, close knit family and often spoke of her wonderful childhood memories with parents (Alexander & Helen MacPherson), siblings (Alex, Jean, Georgie, John, Morag) and extended family. Only love could have enticed her to leave her beloved Scotland. She hopped on a ship at the age of 23 and moved to Toronto, Canada, marrying Thomas A. Daly. This is where their adventure began. Over the next 62 years, they moved to Peterborough, Ontario and eventually settled in Clarendon Hills, IL. They raised 4 beautiful children, each one with the unique story of their own. Susan 1955-2015 (Harold), Karen 1957-2016 (Peter, Ford, Stewart, Taylor), Michael 1958-1985 and Paul (Patty, Olivia, Maggee, Hogan). The legacy Helen leaves is one of a strong willed, passionate, loving woman who would do anything for her family. She always said what was on her mind, whether you liked it or not, in such a way only she could do. There are so many funny, crazy, wonderful stories that will remain in the minds and hearts of all those who knew her. She loved to clean, knit, garden and care for her grandchildren. She is one of the most creative, imaginative and unique people I have ever known. We love you Nana, Mom, Helen. You will be truly missed! Funeral Services and interment private. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to your favorite children’s hospital. Arrangements entrusted West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation services, Westmont. Info 630-852-8000 or www.westsuburbanfh.com
Mrs. Daly was a friend of both my parents. After my parents’ divorce, she remained friends with both. In fact, she was the only person to do so. I recall her voice from a very early age. According to family history, my older brother stayed with her and her husband Tom the night my older sister was born in 1964. In the 1970s, she and her son Paul used to come over to our house in Glen Ellyn. We would visit her family in Clarendon Hills. Her daughter Sue was cool to me. I remember Sue, beautiful in cut-off denim shorts, long brown hair in the summer of 1980, telling me fun family stories. I remember the shock of hearing of the sudden death of Michael. I followed the story of Karen, as related by my mother. I was genuinely saddened to learn of the too-young deaths of both Karen and Sue. When my first child Malcolm was born in 2012, Mrs. Daly, out of the blue, kindly sent us a baby blue afghan that she made by hand. We talked once on the telephone around then. We used it for Malcolm. Then, we used it for his sister Ada Elizabeth, born in 2015. Our third child, a baby girl, is due next month. God wiling, we will use Mrs. Daly’s afghan for her too. Paul and Tom, if you’re out there, I liked your Mom and wish you all the best.