Helen Francis (Dunham) Call, 86, of Springfield, died Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, at 11:19 p.m. at her home, surrounded by family.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Sept. 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Staab Funeral Home in Springfield, with a prayer service beginning at 4 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 9:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with the Rev. Christopher House officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Mrs. Call was born Sept. 16, 1932, in Springfield, to Thomas C. and Viola (Underfanger) Dunham. She married James Davlin Call, Sr. on Oct. 21, 1950, at the Church of the Little Flower, and he preceded her in death.
A lifelong resident of Springfield, she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy with the class of 1950. Her devotion to the Catholic faith was constant throughout her life. She was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Cathedral Council of Catholic Women, St. Louise de Marillac Guild and was a Dominican associate of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield.
She volunteered at St. Martin Deporres, St. John's Breadline and was a Eucharistic minister for homebound parishioners and area nursing homes. She was previously a member of St. Agnes Church and president of the Altar and Rosary Society.
Serving her community outside of the church, she worked as a receptionist for the Illinois State Legislature House Republican Staff, retiring in 1996.
She enjoyed flower gardening, playing cards and attending her grandchildren's sporting events and activities. She was famous for her delicious home cooking and her handwritten cards, filled with love for every occasion. She will be remembered most for her sincere kindness and concern for others, making everyone feel special and welcome. It was with that same mission of service and love that she raised her family.
She is survived by 12 children, James D. Call, Jr. of Australia, Thomas R. (Mary) Call of Maple Grove, MN, Terrence (Wendy) Call of Coffeen, Maureen (Ralph) Krumins of Topeka, KS, Mary Helen (Frank) Rowland of Reston, VA, and Martha (Nicholas) Karris of Oak Brook, and Nancy Call Hefley, Kathryn Call (companion William Snell), Patrick J. (Laura) Call, Michael J. (Diane) Call, Matthew R. (Amy) Call, Sr and Glenna Jean Call Kulek (companion Steven Gantt), all of Springfield; 25 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren, with two on the way; sister, Emily Dunham Landgrebe; brother, Robert B. (Shirley) Dunham; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brother, Thomas C. Dunham, Jr.; sister, Dominican Sister, Mary Thomasene Dunham, O.P.; four brothers-in-law; and two sisters-in-law.
Memorials may be made to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence Ave., Springfield, IL 62703, or to the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, IL Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St. Springfield, IL 62703.
Online condolences may be left at www.staabfuneralhomes.com.
