Lifelong Resident Bernice Helms Remembered

Bernice Marie Helms lived her entire life on Benton Street in Palatine. Known as "Grammy B" in the neighborhood, she was a woman known for her generosity toward others. She knitted or crocheted handwork for the newly married or for new babies, and even into her later years did dozens of lap robes for nursing home patients.

"She would do whatever she could to help others," said her grandson, Brad Helms. "She was always reaching out to people."

Bernice Helms, 96, died Jan. 13 at Rosewood Care Center in Inverness. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17, at Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Hwy., Palatine. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18 at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 144 E. Palatine Rd., with burial following at Randhill Park Cemetery in Arlington Heights.

She was born at 15 N. Benton St., moved to the house next door when she married and after her first child was born, moved down the street to a house she called home for more than 65 years, her obituary states.

Bernice Helms graduated from Palatine High School where she met Orville Helms. She married her high school sweetheart on her birthday in 1938.

Orville would spend much of his life in service to the residents of Palatine. He would be the department's fire chief and was the first full-time member of the fire department. Orville Helms Honorary Boulevard on Slade Street is named for Helms.

"She [Bernice] would always support the family's of the younger firefighters if they were struggling," Brad Helms said. "The always would step up and help. She was very giving."

Bernice Helms life centered on her family. She is survived by three children, Orrin (Gloria) Helms of Palatine, Allen (Melody) of Inverness, and Carol (Bill) Gitzke of Cary; four grandchildren, Brad (Jerri) Helms of Palatine, Darcy (Ed) De Luga of Algonquin, Shelly (Marty) Van Anrooy of Gurnee and Bill (Kelly) Gitzke of Cary; and eleven great grandchildren, including twin boys born in November. She also is survived by her sister Louise (the late Leighton) Mangels, of Colorado.

Brad Helms, who is the village's 6th District council member, said Bernice was very active in church and volunteered for various organizations, including Meals on Wheels, throughout her life.

She spent many years helping with fire department fundraisers, along with church and other community events.

Bernice Helms was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Orville, her sister Isabel Klopp, her brother Cliff (the late Bernice) Wente and her parents, Lydia and John Wente.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Paul United Church of Christ 144 E. Palatine Rd.