August 12 1938 July 31 2022
Mary Helen Drucker (nee Klinge), age 83, passed peacefully on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg, WI. She was born on August 12, 1938, in Evanston, IL, to Ralph and Mildred Klinge. Mary Helen attended St Joseph Grade School in Wilmette, IL, Marywood High School in Evanston, IL, and graduated from St Louis University as an English major. On July 29, 1967, she married Robert Drucker in Wilmette, IL, and raised their six children in Freeport, IL. She was passionate about her family- always loving and accepting, and often shared a laugh with her children over their mishaps. After her first grandchild was born, she was affectionately referred to as Granny, and was the proud matriarch of “Team Drucker” joyfully attending her grandchildren’s games, plays, and events. Granny always had her bags packed for the next adventure- whether it be taking a boat to Ireland at age 20, a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, chaperoning her friend in a wheelchair to Lourdes, or traveling to Alaska for month at a time braving the small planes and bears to be with her Alaska granddaughters. Mary Helen was most passionate about her faith. She worked tirelessly to start and maintain Perpetual Adoration at St Vincent, Freeport, IL. She was charismatic and quietly educated anyone who was interested. As a lay minister, volunteer chaplain, and hospice worker, she comforted others on their journey to heaven. Mary Helen advocated for what she believed in, in a loving and kind way, never speaking a bad word about anyone. Mary Helen was a brilliant writer. She composed many letters to the editor of the Freeport Journal Standard, including sharing the religious importance of holidays. She also edited a scientific journal on the convergence of Adam and Eve and evolution, wrote newsletters for area Catholic schools, and moderated spiritual discussion blogs. Her poetry and essays have also been published. Mary Helen was also a businesswomen and a quiet feminist, starting Glitter Jewelry and sponsoring a girl’s little league team at a time when sports were not for girls. She was strong, kind, and an inspiration to all. Mary Helen is survived by her husband, Robert J Drucker of Stoughton WI; daughter, Michelle Drucker Williams (Steve) of Viroqua WI and children, Maddy (Carl), Taiga, Lucy, and Gia; and sons, Sean (Katie) and children Gabrielle and Gavin, Alex (Mary) and children Chelsea and James, Stephen (Griselda) and daughter Meghan, and Patrick, all of Madison WI, and Robert of Freeport IL; and a brother, Bill Klinge of Wilmette IL. She is preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Mildred Klinge. Visitation Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 11:00 am followed by a funeral Mass at 11:30 am at Saint Joseph & Francis Xavier Church, 1747 Lake Ave, Wilmette, IL. Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery, Wilmette, and a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local Perpetual Adoration or Hospice Care. Info: donnellanfuneral.com or 847-675-1990
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Helen Drucker August 12 1938 July 31 2022.
Death notice for the town of: Evanston, state: Illinois