Helen Mae Moody, 91, of Springfield, IL, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025. She was born on June 14, 1934, in Rockford, IL. She was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Hazel (Purdy) Moody Carter; stepfather, Nick Carter; beloved grandparents, Frank and Amelia Purdy; sister, Jean Mayer; brother-in-law, Christian Mayer; sister, Mary Ann Moody; brother, Donald Moody; great niece, Mary Beth (Vanderveldt) Oliver; and nephew-in-law, Melvin Smith.
Survivors include nieces, Sandra (John) Vanderveldt, Carol Smith, and Janice Mayer; great nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Howard) Schmidt, Laura (Brook) Thomas, Chris Smith, Michael Smith, Rebecca (Michael) Megyesi; and twelve great-great nieces and nephews.
Helen achieved a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Illinois, Champaign, and Springfield College, Springfield, MA, respectively. She began her career as a physical education teacher, K-8, at Oak Park Elementary and River Forest Elementary schools in Illinois. In 1962, she became an associate professor at Eastern Illinois University and taught methods courses for elementary education and physical education students. From 1965-1967, Helen supervised and evaluated physical education programs in Illinois, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, (now ISBE). She returned to Eastern Illinois University and supervised physical education student teachers for three years. Hired at Western Illinois University in 1970 as Associate Professor, Helen served in several capacities while at WIU: elementary and secondary methods teacher, academic advisor, and resident coordinator of student teachers. After 36 years of working in education, she retired in 1992.
Helen loved teaching and interacting with students, counseling at Girl Scout camps, singing camp songs, telling stories, watching the fighting Illini, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and playing in a game with the Rockford Peaches.
She also enjoyed reading mysteries (especially James Patterson) eating anything chocolate, feeding the birds, golfing, traveling, nature walks, and the woods, and water at Three Lakes, WI.
Most of all, Helen loved her family and friends. Through her kindness, gentle nature, quick wit, and endless sense of humor, she gained many lifetime friends.
Per her wishes, a family graveside service will take place at Marsh Cemetery, Rockford, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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