Helen Marie Reganti

Our beloved Helen entered eternal life on January 3, 2024. She was born on November 6, 1922, in Willow Springs Township, Mineral Point, to John and Nellie (Carey) Coogan, the oldest of six children. Graduated from Muldoon High School, Browns Business College, Patricia Stevens Modeling in Chicago, and Rock Valley. She was employed at Barnes Drill. She was Executive Secretary at Rockford Ordinance. She was a Free Lance Model for Marshall Fields, Owens, etc. A Ballroom Dance instructor dancing with Lawrence Welk as a highlight to her dancing career.

Harry and Helen were married on June 6, 1953, in St. James Catholic Church. As a devote Catholic she was a Charter member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Holy Family Woman’s Guild and Chairman for Woman’s Guild Luncheon, Past President and Vice President of the Catholic Woman’s League, Chairman LaPromesse Committee, Photographer, Historian, Social Secretary and Parliamentarian. For Provena St. Anne’s Center she served as President, Vice President, Chairperson for the Advisory Board, many Committees, volunteer, and a lifetime member. At St. Elizabeth Community Center, she was a Board Member, Volunteer, and donator. Helen and Harry were active members of the National Association of Postal Supervisors. She served on all offices of Rockford Branch 220, the Illinois State NAPS, and National NAPS Auxiliary. As President of the National Auxiliary she served and traveled to all 50 states. She was a lifetime member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Helen was a dedicated Community Volunteer for the United Way, Heart Association, Cancer Association. Chaired, organized many fund raisers for those in need. As a member of Holy Family Dinner Club, she scheduled many dinners and speakers.

As a member of the Verdi Club, she served as Vice President and was on the Board of the Auxiliary. Member of the Rock Valley Mustang Club. Chaired many State, National Local conventions. Attended many State of the Union addresses in Washington, D.C. meeting with many prominent politicians such as V.P. Humphrey. She received the key to the City of Rockford in 1979, Key to Owensboro, KY in 1980. As a gourmet cook, she won many Cook-Offs over the years. She enjoyed playing bridge and bowling with her friends. She was an avid photographer leaving a true legacy for her family. Helen loved clothes and her jewelry. She enjoyed adding to her collection-which led to her always “Classy Look.” Harry and Helen traveled to Ireland, Europe, Spain, Rome, Lourdes, and Harry’s heritage town of Gallarate, Italy. Helen’s motto was “what we do for others is a gift of Life.” She was tirelessly there for everyone. Helen was devoted to her family, friends, community, Catholic Faith, and Irish heritage.

Survivors include her son, Ronald (Gail) of Lyndon Station, WI.; Grandson, Jim of New Lisbon, WI.; Niece, Mary (Denny) Walrack Coogan; Nephews, Robert (Patty) Coogan, Stuart (Anne) Coogan, Michael (Therese) Coogan, Dennis (Linda) Coogan, Steve (Mary Jo) Coogan, David (Joan) Coogan, Tim (Penny) Coogan; niece in laws, Diane Coogan and Barbara Coogan; Harry’s Nephew Tom Bork and cousins, Karen (Steve) Davis and Janis Faulkner; 23 Treasured Great Nieces, Nephews, many Great, Great Nieces and nephews, as we as several Great, Great, Great Nieces and Nephews along with special friends, Committee Members, Board Members, Church Members and many lives that she touched.

Predeceased by her Husband Harry in 2007; parents, Nellie and Jack; Brothers, John (Grace), Raymond (Nancy), William (Chick), Lawrence (Marilyn) (Marge), Louis (Francis); Nephews, James, Martin, Gerald, Jackie, Gene, Patrick, Larry, Corry, Troy and Niece, Ashley.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation before the Funeral Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, Illinois at 9:30 a.m. Entombment will follow at Calvary Chapel Mausoleum, West State Road, Winnebago, Illinois.

Remember Helen for her love of family, zest for life and deep spirituality. Helen was known as a kind and giving person who touched the hearts of many. A special Thank You to Sienna Crest Nursing Staff for their caring way with Helen. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be used for Masses for Helen at Holy Family and Calvary Chapel.