Helen Agnes Herron

Helen Agnes Herron died in Prairie Village, Kansas on August 10, 2023. She will be truly missed by family and friends.

Born in Collinsville, Illinois to Alice and Edward O’Hara, Helen grew up a devout Irish catholic, dedicated to her family, especially her father. Witty and stubborn, Helen approached the world with a wry twinkle in her eye and smile on her face. She was kind and generous, but did not suffer fools. She was a fierce card player, especially bridge, and loved shopping and decorating.

Helen was also a career woman at a time when men ruled the business world. Starting with Illinois Bell, just after high school, she worked her way up to become the first female Business Office Manager at the company. At her retirement her team applauded her firm, but compassionate, cheerful, and understanding leadership. As one person remarked, “[She] did it her way, and what a way it was!”

On May 22, 1992 Helen married James Herron, the love of her life. Together, in between real estate deals, they travelled the world, often taking their family with them. Starting with their honeymoon in Paris, Helen and Jim travelled to Ireland and Australia, England and New Zealand, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Turkey and more. Helen and Jim’s generosity opened the world to their family. Their love, their sense of adventure, and their joy for life will be greatly missed.

Helen was preceded in death by Jim, who passed on August 8th of this year. She was also preceded in death by her brothers Thomas and James O’Hara and her sister Lorraine Patek, as well as her son-in-law Randy Heseman. Helen is survived by her son J. Scott (and Katy) Burner, of Mahomet, IL, her daughter Polly O’Hara of Lakewood, CO, and her daughter Kelley (and Joe) McCarthy, of Olathe, KS, and step daughters Betsy (Mike) Price, and Kathryn (Scott) Shaw. Helen is also survived by her sister, Mary Ellen Goodwill, grandchildren Nathan, Ryan, Scott, Kate, Mike, Luke, Emily, Samantha, Olivia and Alicia as well as

17 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Claridge Court and Ascend Health Hospice. We were moved, by your heart, caring, and dedication to Helen, Jim, and their family. You are sincerely appreciated.

A funeral mass will be held 10 AM, Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Overland Parkland Park, KS.

We also request those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation, in Helen’s name, to the Parkinson’s Foundation and Alzheimer’s Association.