Helen Marie Tucker

WASHINGTON—Helen Marie Tucker, 61, passed away at 9:45PM on Saturday, February 3, 2007 at home surrounded by her family after years of courageously battling cancer. Born on August 30, 1945 in Queens, NY, Marie grew up most of her working life in Chillicothe and Peoria. She was raised by her great uncle and great aunt, George and Inez Thompson. Marie worked at Caterpillar for 30 years, retiring in April 2002. After retirement she worked part-time for the Peoria Park District at Donovan Golf Course. Marie graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1963. She was a member of the Northwest United Methodist Church in Peoria. She was very active in her church, sponsoring several missions, missionaries and many Walks for Emmaus. Marie was also a volunteer at Oncology Hematology Associates of Central Illinois. Preceding her in death was her father, Vernon Bloom, and mother Margaret McGuire; her great uncle, George and great aunt, Inez Thompson. Surviving are her brother, Bill Bloom of Clearwater, FL; half-sisters Midge Last of NY, Suzi Brooks of NJ, and Lori Leas of East Peoria; stepmother, Zora Bloom of East Peoria; uncle Louis Haske and aunt Mary Ann of Rahway, NJ; son, Wes (Sandra) Koch of Tampa, FL; daughters, Wendi (Chris) Spahn of Washington, and Heidi (Matt) Underwood of Bartonville; 7 grandchildren, London Lawrence, Sinclair Stenson, Tyler Koch, Caroline Koch, Zachary Spahn, Madyson Spahn, and Sydney Spahn; 4 stepgrandchildren, Luke Underwood, Sabrina Underwood, Alexandra Rego, and Eva Rego; 2 nieces Stephanie Paul and Molly Brooks; nephew Jeremy Bloom; 3 great nieces, Bailey Winchell, and Payton and Aubrey Bloom. There will be no visitation. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 3 PM on Thursday, February 8, 2007, at Northwest United Methodist Church, 3800 War Memorial Drive, Peoria, with Pastor Deron Boyer officiating. Deiters Funeral Home in Washington is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or the Northwest United Methodist Church Missions Outreach Program. To share a story or send condolences to the family, please visit www.deitersfuneralhome.com. For additional information regarding services, please contact Northwest United Methodist Church at 309-692-0421.

Helen Marie Tucker

August 30, 1945 - February 3, 2007