Billick, Helen Elizabeth

Helen Elizabeth Billick, 98, of Iowa City, died Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at Windmill Manor in Coralville. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, with the Very Rev. Rudolph Juarez officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, where a rosary will be recited at 5 p.m.

Helen was born Aug. 15, 1912, in Wellman, Iowa, the daughter of John Henry and Catherine (Ryan) Wetrich. She married Francis Billick on April 22, 1934. Helen was a 1930 graduate of St. Patrick's High School and received her B.A. in Journalism from the University of Iowa in 1934. She was a member of Theta Phi Alpha sorority.

Helen was employed as a medical assistant to pediatrician Dr. Lorraine Frost for 25 years. She later was the house manager at Westlawn, retiring in 1981.

Helen was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Society and Mercy Hospital Guild. Helen was an avid Hawkeye fan. When she was no longer able to attend athletic events and the contest became close, she was known to leave the room until the contest being broadcast was over and she could hear the results.

Survivors include her three daughters, Francine Belcher of Plymouth, Minn., Teri (Nelson) O'Rear of Granger, Ind., and Linda (John) Griffin of Orange, Calif.; eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband; her brother, Vince; and son-in-law, John Belcher.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Patrick's Building Fund, Mercy Hospital Foundation or to a charity of the donor's choice.

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