Helen Marie Fares, of Chenoa, formerly of Peoria, passed away peacefully in her sleep, Monday, September 20, 2010 at her residence in Burt Village, Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, September 26, 2010 at First United Church of Gridley with Pastor Duane Otto officiating. There will be a coffee and desert fellowship immediately following the service.

Burial will be in Biggsville Cemetery, Biggsville, IL at a later date. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa is in charge of arrangements.

Helen was born March 6, 1924 in Swift Current, Canada the daughter of James and Alma (Pearson) Alexander. She married John "Jack" Fares on October 13, 1951 in Peoria. He passed away on April 13, 2009.

Surviving are two daughters; Martha Dean of LeRoy and Patricia (Rusty Runholt) Fares of San Diego, CA; one grandson, Elliott Dean of LeRoy; one brother, James Alexander; three sisters, Jean Gibbs, Alma Somerville, Louise Smith and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one son-in-law, Richard Dean.

Helen was a 1942 graduate of Peoria High School and graduated from Bradley University where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. She taught in the Peoria School system and played in the Peoria and Galesburg Symphonies. She was active in Peoria's Amateur Musical Club, Monday Morning Music Club, the Youth Symphony and Peoria Women's Club. She also did tutoring for Common Place and the Adult Education Center of Peoria.

Helen was a member First United Church of Gridley and a former member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Peoria.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the First United Church of Gridley, Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community or American Lung Association.