Helen Mary Antonsen 96 of Simi Valley, CA formerly of DeKalb, IL. Loving mother of Patricia McNew of Rockford, IL and Sandra (Ted) Schmid of Simi Valley, CA passed away in Thousand Oaks, CA on March 25, 2011. Besides her daughters, Helen is survived by six grandchildren: Tammy (Mark) Heller of Arvada, CO; Kelly (Dan) Thompson of DeKalb, IL; Patrick (Michelle) McNew of Roscoe, IL; Wendy (Patrick) Thyfault of Temecula, CA; Kristy (Elgin) Smith of Granada Hills, CA; and Amy (Jason) Herbert of Simi Valley, CA; 15 great-grandchildren and a brother, James (Patti) Vickery of Crystal Lake, IL.

Helen was born in DeKalb, IL in 1914 to Oliver Vickery and Agnes Vernell who preceeded her in death along with her husband of many years, L.G. "Tony" Antonsen.

Helen worked as a bookkeeper for many years for Lehan Drugs before moving to Springfield, IL where she worked for the State of Illinois for several years before retiring and moving back to DeKalb. In 1990, Helen moved to Simi Valley, CA where she lived for 19 years before moving into Hillside Royale Assisted Living in Thousand Oaks, CA where she remained until her death.

Although Helen was blessed with 96 years, her family will dearly miss her gentle and loving nature and sweet smile. A memorial service is being planned in Illinois this summer so the grandchildren and great-grandchildren can all attend to pay her a loving tribute.

Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,

Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,

Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,

But only one mother the wide world over.

~George Cooper

Graveside services will be held at a later date in St. Mary?s Catholic Cemetery DeKalb, IL. To send an online condolence visit www.ronanmoorefinch.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 (815) 758-3841.

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