Obituary of Helen Valerugo

Helen A. Valerugo (nee Lukancic) "Bobby" Died on August 11, 2014 at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, age 83. Preceded by her beloved husband, Raymond C. Valerugo (2011); her loving parents, Louis and Paula (Matko) Lukancic; her sisters, Emma Bechler and Dr. Mildred Monroe; and her brother, James Lukancic; niece, Nancy Bechler; nephew, James Murphy; in-laws, Robert Bechler, Clarence Murphy, Patricia (Collins) Lukancic, and LeRoy and Delores Werner; and parents-in-law, Pete and Mary Valerugo. Survived by brothers, Dr. Louis P. (Barbara) Lukancic of Spring Valley, IL and John J. (Anna Mae) Lukancic of Crest Hill, IL; sisters, Lillian (late Clarence) Murphy and Maryann Lukancic of Joliet; Angela (Walter) Zaida of Manhattan, IL and brother-in-law, Dr. Kent Monroe of Spring Valley, IL. Many nephews, nieces and cousins also survive, including cousins in Slovenia. Helen retired in 1991, having taught for 39 years, the last 23 years at Plainfield High School. She taught for 16 years in Catholic elementary and secondary schools in Illinois and Ohio as Sister M. Louis Paul, O.S.F. Helen attended St. Joseph Grade School, St. Francis Academy, Joliet Township High School and the College of St. Francis in Joliet. She earned an M.A. degree in English at St. Louis University and did post-graduate work at Ohio State and Indiana Universities. She was a loyal, involved parishioner of St. Joseph Church, Joliet, and a life member of the Slovenian Union of America and the Bishop Baraga Association. Cremation Rites have been accorded with private inurnment at St. Patrick's Cemetery. Masses will be offered at St. Joseph Church. Memorials to St. Joseph Parish Museum-the Ancel Center, Joliet Area Community Hospice or Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home would be appreciated. Arrangements by Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com