Helen E. Olley

Racine – Helen E. (nee: Lippert) Olley, 94, passed away at St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged in Kenosha, on Friday, September 9, 2011.  

The youngest of 10 children, Helen was born in Kenosha on September 15, 1916 to the late John and Catherine (nee: Pfisterer) Lippert. On November 14, 1936 in St. George Catholic Church, she was united in marriage with Lewis “Milt” Olley, who preceded her in death at age 42 on June 9, 1956.  

Helen has lived in Racine since 1943 until moving back to Kenosha to reside at St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged in 2008. With a profound Catholic faith, she was a longtime member of St. Edward Catholic Church, St. Edward Christian Mothers, and St. Catherine’s Guild. During her career, Helen was employed at Ostergaard’s Bakery for over 22 years until it closed in 1979. Following, she went to work for the Racine branch of Polentini’s Bakery until she retired. Among her interests, she enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and cheering on her favorite teams – Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. Above all, she truly loved being in the surroundings of her entire family.  

Surviving are her children, James (Bonnie) Olley of St. Louis, MO; Robert (Terri) Olley of Racine; and Patricia (Jerry) Beth of Kenosha; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren  (expecting the 15^th this coming February); brother-in-law, Jerry (Sharon) Olley; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by her sisters, Julia (Frank) Feest, Sophie Lippert, Millie (Ed) Lotz, Marie (Arthur) Hall and Catherine (Felix) Lucas; and brothers, Matt (Pauline) Lippert, Phil (Mary) Lippert, Val (Hazel) Lippert and John (Marie) Lippert.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 11 am in St. Edward Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Ave. – Racine, with Rev. Allen Bratkowski and Helen’s nephew, Rev. Paul Lippert, con-celebrating. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 5-8 pm (Prayer Service at 7:30 pm) and in the church on Wednesday from 10-11 am. Memorials to St. Edward Parish, St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged, or to Hospice Alliance have been suggested.  

A special note of thanks to St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged and to Hospice Alliance for the compassionate care and support given to our Mother in her time of need. May God bless all of you!