Helen Marie (O’Dean) Reardon

Helen Marie (O’Dean) Reardon

Cedar Rapids

Helen Marie (O’Dean) Reardon, age 99 1/2 of Cedar Rapids, IA, passed away on August 13, 2024, after a long and happy life. Honoring her request, there will be no visitation, but graveside services will be held at the Eldon Cemetery in Eldon, IA, on June 21, 2025, at noon for close friends and family.

She was born February 6, 1925, to Reuben and Louise (Peterson) O’Dean in Eldon, and married Jim Reardon on December 27, 1946. Prior to her marriage, she attended Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, IA, where she was a Pi Beta Phi member, and then taught school at Mt. Pleasant, West Des Moines, and Martensdale. Later in life she worked at CRST Inc. for over 19 years until her retirement in 1987.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim in 1999, her parents, an infant sister, her sister Mariane Franklin, brother-in-law Gordon Franklin, son-in-law Bob Kirsch, son Robert William Reardon, and granddaughter Ginnie Mae Greenway. Surviving are her children: Carol (Greg) Egger, Jeanne O’Dean, Dan (Cindy) Reardon, Linda Kirsch, Bill Reardon, daughter-in-law Diana Reardon, 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Her greatest joy was her family. She never missed a birthday or holiday for her children, their spouses, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were spread out in different states. Other great joys included her friends, birdwatching, flowers, and all of nature in general. She was deeply loved by all who knew her, cherished for her infectious smile, her quick wit, and her remarkable ability to make a friend anywhere. With her spunky personality, she brought light and laughter to every room. The world can be such a beautiful place, hence, even a long lifetime can seem so short.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Courageous at Camp Courageous, PO Box 418, Monticello, IA 52310-0418 or Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity at 350 6th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.