Helen Louise Burgett Adorjan, age 84, of Chatham, Illinois, passed away peacefully with family on April 5, 2026, at The Arc of Sangamon Valley in Springfield, Illinois.
Helen was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She shared a beautiful and enduring marriage of 61 years with her devoted husband, Richard Adorjan, who survives her.
She was a former journalist who earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in communications from Sangamon State University. She worked for several central Illinois newspapers during her career.
One of her greatest joys blossomed from a trip to London, where the simple elegance of afternoon tea sparked a tradition that she carried home. She founded a book club that quickly evolved into something truly special, not merely a meeting, but an immersive experience. There, over steaming cups of tea and lovingly prepared food, stories were not just read; they were lived and shared.
Her love for community also blossomed at Lincoln Memorial Garden, where she gave her heart and soul. Whether she was editing the newsletter with care and precision or providing guidance as a master gardener, she brought life and beauty to everything she touched. She understood that growth takes patience, dedication, and love; she offered all three in abundance. The gardens flourished because she did.
That same tenderness extended to the smallest and most delicate of lives. She found quiet joy in raising Monarch butterflies, caring for them through each fragile stage until the day they were ready to spread their wings. Releasing them into the world must have felt, in many ways, like an expression of who she was, someone who nurtured, protected, and ultimately gave others the freedom to become.
Her compassion reached even further into the lives of the many animals she welcomed over the years. Through the Animal Protective League, she gave countless companions a home filled with kindness and safety. To them, she was not just an owner, but a guardian, a comfort, and a source of unwavering love.
She leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory, including her daughter, Amy King, and son-in-law, Jeff King; her grandson, Josh; her son, Richard Adorjan II, and daughter-in-law, Lisa Adorjan; her grandson, Nathan Schjoth; and her sister-in-law, Bev Burgett.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence E. Burgett and Helen E. (Ford) Burgett, as well as her two brothers, Chuck Burgett and Gene Burgett.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Helen’s life will be held at Lincoln Memorial Garden at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lincoln Memorial Garden or the Animal Protective League.
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