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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Lis, Helen Philomena
Helen Philomena Lis, 90, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Monday, Oct. 4, 2010, at her home with her family by her side. Funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8, at All Saints Catholic Church with visitation starting at 9 a.m. The Rev. David O'Connor will officiate with burial in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home where a vigil and rosary service will begin at 4:30 p.m.
Survivors include her children, Louise (William) Murray of Waukee, and Paul Lis of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Sarah (Ric) Bennett of Harrisburg, N.C., Laura (Jason) Coffman of Charlotte, N.C., and Jennifer (Jared) Dombroski of Harrisburg, N.C.; great-grandchildren, William Richard Bennett and Benjamin Dombroski; sisters-in-law, Mary Kay Gerleman of Cedar Rapids, and Blanche Blazis of Poquonock, Conn.; plus many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward J. Lis; a daughter, Linda Kay Lis; and seven brothers and sisters.
Helen was born May 30, 1920, in Ossian, Iowa, the daughter of Anton and Christine (Wiltgen) Gerleman. She married Edward J. Lis on July 20, 1944, in Salina, Kan. Edward passed away in 2002. Helen graduated from DeSales High School in Ossian, and later from Mercy School of Nursing in 1942. She worked as a registered nurse in doctors offices, medical and surgical floors at Mercy; she was head nurse at St. Luke's in the newborn and obstetrics department. She set up the first aid station where she worked at Cherry Burrell for five years. She retired from Link Belt/FMC as an industrial nurse after 13 years of service.
She was a charter member of All Saints Catholic Church, she was involved with the Professional Nurses Association, alumni of Mount Mercy, Catholic Daughters, Elks, VFW, All Saints St. Theresa Circle, bowling groups and parish festivals.
Helen's family was the most important thing to her. She was always there in good times and bad. She was a loving compassionate person who will be truly missed by all her family and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Courageous, Discovery Living or Mercy Hospice.
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