Helen Martin

DELAVAN - Helen Louise Martin, 93, of Taylorville, formerly of Delavan, died on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010, at 8:54 a.m. in her residence.

She was born on May 10, 1917, in Delavan to Harm and Venna (Diekhoff) Nannen. She married Leo W. Martin in 1941. She graduated from Delavan High School in 1935.

She was a switchboard operator with Illinois Bell Telephone in Delavan.

She graduated from Brown's Business College in Peoria.

She and Leo operated grocery stores in Avon, Table Grove and Canton. She also was secretary at Wesley United Methodist Church and sold real estate.

She was a member of Wesley Methodist Church in Canton and First United Methodist Church in Taylorville. Helen was a member and held many offices in United Methodist Women, Illinois River District, Canton Women Club and General Federation of Women Club.

She was selected by the YWCA of Canton, as one of three "2003 Women of Achievement."

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Louise (Milton) Kane of Taylorville; son, Robert L. (Beverly) Martin of Muskego, Wis.; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son and brother.

Burial will be in Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan, Ill.

Memorials may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton, First United Methodist Church in Taylorville or Delavan Methodist Church in Delavan.

Condolences may sent at perfettifuneralhomes.com.

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