Helen Mae Armstrong Keefer, 93, died peacefully at Sunrise of Schaumburg in Schaumburg, IL on November 19, 2013. She was born January 23, 1920 in Harbor Springs to Pearl and Earl Armstrong. She was the youngest of eight brothers and sisters. After graduating from Harbor Springs High School, she moved to Chicago and became a telephone operator. It was at the drugstore across the street where she met her husband of 53 years, Jack Keefer. They married on February 8 1942 and spent most of their married life raising their five children, in Mount Prospect, Illinois. Jack preceded her in death in 1995. Helen had a great love of music, playing the piano, and singing with Sweet Adelines as well as an award winning barbershop quartet. She instilled that love of music to all of her children, Jim (Mary) Keefer of Bozeman, Montana; Kathie (Phil) De La Rosa of Arlington, Texas; Pam (Steve) Treanor of Fort Collins, Colorado; Roger (Carol) Keefer of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Lori (Bill) Wilson of Safety Harbor, FL. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Helen loved the outdoors and was always up for an adventure, whether it was skiig, rafting, or just walking in the woods. She and Jack visited many fascinating places on their many trips abroad. She always had a smile and a kiss for everyone she met. She will be greatly missed by all. The family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60631.
Harbor Light - December 10, 2013

Helen Mae Armstrong Keefer, 93, died peacefully at Sunrise of Schaumburg on November 19, 2013. Helen was born on January 23, 1920 in Harbor Springs, Michigan to Pearl and Earl Armstrong. She was the youngest of 8 brothers and sisters. After graduating from Harbor Springs High School, she moved to Chicago and became a telephone operator. It was at the drugstore across the street where she met her husband of 53 years, Jack Keefer. They married on February 8, 1942 and spent most of their married life, raising their five children, in Mount Prospect, Illinois. Jack preceded her in death in 1995. Helen had a great love of music, playing the piano, and singing with Sweet Adelines as well as an award winning barbershop quartet. She instilled that love of music to all of her children, Jim (Mary) Keefer of Bozeman, Montana; Kathie (Phil) De La Rosa of Arlington,Texas; Pam (Steve) Treanor of Fort Collins, Colorado; Roger (Carol) Keefer of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Lori (Bill) Wilson of Safety Harbor, Florida. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Matthew (Amy) Keefer, Chloe (Rob) Lauer, Oliver (Kate) Keefer, Ana (Scott) Niswonger, Kristina (Jim) Halley, Nate (Charleena) Treanor, Adam (Elysia) Treanor, Spencer Treanor, Eric (Karen) Hirsch, Troy (Kelly) Wilson and Jake Wilson, 10 great-grandchildren, Leta, Maya, Josie, Kerry, Ryan, Isabella, Scarlett, Kaylee, Nicole and Alyssa and one great-great-granddaughter, Elena. Helen will also be remembered by numerous nieces and nephews. Helen loved the outdoors and was always up for an adventure, whether it was skiing, rafting, or just walking in the woods. She and Jack visited many fascinating places on their many trips abroad. She always had a smile and a kiss for everyone she met. She will be greatly missed by all. Lying in state Saturday, 9:00 AM until Mass 11:00 AM at St. Raymond de Penafort Church, Elmhurst Rd. (Route 83) at Lincoln St., Mt. Prospect. Interment All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association , 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60631. Arrangements were made by Friedrichs Funeral Home, 847-255-7800 or www.friedrichsfh.com.
Chicago Suburban Daily Herald - November 21, 2013