Helen Louise Metz (nee Crawford), Age 85, of Vero Beach, FL and Saint Charles, IL, passed away on Thursday, September 04, 2014.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Carl Warren Metz and sons, Scott (JoAnn) of Saint Charles, IL, Mark (Noreen) of Evanston, IL, Eric of Scales Mound, IL, and Christopher of Vero Beach, Florida; and grandchildren, Jason (Jessica) of Green Bay, WI, Carla of Summerland Key, FL, Amanda of Aurora, CO, Ryan of Chicago, IL, Veronica of Evanston, IL, Christopher of Seattle, WA, Rebecca of Lebanon, TN, Ashley of Elgin, IL; and great grandchildren, Evan of Lebanon, TN and Derek of Green Bay, WI.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Naomi and Noble Crawford and her sister, Jean Harris.
Helen was born in Newark, Ohio in 1929. During her childhood she lived in several central Ohio communities. She later attended Ashland College where she met her future husband, Carl Metz. The couple wed in 1951 and moved to New Jersey where Helen continued her teaching career. Over the next three years they were blessed with two of their four children, with two more coming some years later.
Helen taught elementary and special education in public schools near Ashland, OH Rockaway, NJ and Randolph Township, NJ for many years before moving with her family to St. Charles, IL; whereupon she taught at Turner School in West Chicago, IL. In 1970 Helen earned her Masters Degree in Special Education and Administration from Northern Illinois University.
After her retirement she became a part-time resident of the Village Green community in Vero Beach, Florida.
Throughout her life, Helen was a consistent volunteer in her church and her community. Among her numerous activities, she and Carl served as co-leaders of the Methodist Youth Fellowship at Baker Memorial Methodist Church in St. Charles, IL
Helen directed community theatre shows at Village Green. She served a two year term as president of the home owners association at Village Green. Helen was also a longtime supporter of the Christmas Food Box Program at her church in Vero Beach.
Helen was the consummate hostess, frequently hosting gatherings at her homes Her family and friends throughout the nation mourn her passing and celebrate her remarkable life.
Donations in Helen’s name may be made to the Christmas Food Box Program at the First Methodist Church of Vero Beach.