Helen C. Sjoquist nee Steen, age 96, beloved wife of the late Kenneth; loving mother of Cathy Schleich, Gary and Jeffrey (Kathy); cherished grandma of Kenneth, Carl (Andy), Grant (Corey), Jessica (Reginald) Best, Raymond (Sandra), Ellyn (Michael) and Kristin; dear great-grandmother of Reginald Jr., Riana, Edward and Ethan.

Helen was born in Chicago on May 27, 1920, the youngest child of parents Eskil and Axelina Steen. Along with her siblings Louie, Andy and Ruth, Helen grew up only blocks away from Wrigley Field. They were a close knit family throughout their lives.

At an early age Helen took a keen interest in baseball and became a diehard fan of her neighborhood team, the Chicago Cubs.  She passed this love of Cubs baseball on to her children and grandchildren, and all rejoiced when at long last Helen's team took the World Series just days before she passed.

She met her true love Kenneth Sjoquist in 1936 on her 16 ^th birthday. Their wedding took place in 1942 in the home she grew up in, officiated by the same minister who had baptized and confirmed Helen in earlier years.  In 1959 Helen and Kenneth moved their growing family to Park Ridge, IL, where together they built the house in which Helen raised their children and remained her entire life. She loved animals and always pampered a furry friend as part of the family. She took great pride in the gardens she created around the house and yard and the lovely flowers she nurtured every season.

Helen involved herself in every aspect of her children's lives, from serving as a school volunteer and PTA member, to teaching Sunday school at Park Ridge Presbyterian Church, to making sure they had their homework done each night.  As the daughter of a tailor, she skillfully sewed and mended all sorts of items for the family to use and enjoy. Road trips and vacations to explore, relax and make memories with family in Wisconsin and Florida were adventures the entire family enjoyed.

An energetic woman, Helen always wanted to be busy.  She remembered fondly working at the A&P, and used her keen business sense as a bookkeeper for Industrial Filter & Pump in Cicero, IL, as well as for Kenneth's medical practice.  She and Kenneth supported many local charitable organizations, especially the Robert R. McCormick Boys Club. They were active in many social organizations including the Viking Athletic Association, the North Shore Kiwanis Club and the Verdandi Lodge, Order of Svithiod.  She also volunteered for over 20 years in the gift shop at Bethany Methodist Hospital (Now Methodist Hospital of Chicago).

Helen was an accomplished amateur bowler with several perfect "300" games to her credit.  She also learned to golf and ski, both snow and water, although that may have been to spend more time with her children than out of an actual love of those sports.  But her ability to do anything she put her mind to instilled that same belief in her children, that they could do anything if they tried and worked hard enough.

Truly, family was Helen's priority and joy. She lit up the room at family gatherings and always managed to find a piano and lead everyone in singing a few favorite songs. She relished spending time in the kitchen with her children and later, grandchildren, sharing her family recipes and unique cooking techniques. We especially appreciate the effort she put into training us the proper way to create her delicious rice pudding!

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Helen's devoted caregiver and friend, Halina, all the others who assisted with mom's needs and helped her remain independent to the end, and the kind professionals at Resurrection Hospital and Rainbow Hospice for the loving care shown to mom in her final days.

Memorial visitation will take place Thursday, November 10, from 4-8 PM, including a 7 PM service celebrating Helen's life, at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 Talcott Rd., Park Ridge. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to charity of your choice.

Interment private. For more information, please call 847-823-5122.