Margaret Ann Tully Heller passed away quietly in her sleep on January 15, 2006. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Robert “Bob” Heller, Sr. D.D.S., on July 2, 2003, and continued to live in her home with the help of her children and her devoted caretaker, Valya, for whom the family will be forever grateful. Valentyna ‘Valya’ Arkhelyuk is from Ukraine, and has been with Margaret for the past year and a half, helping the family with her needs. The family is especially thankful to the Kenosha Hospice Alliance for its care, kindness and compassion. Margaret was the middle child of seven born on February 24, 1916, to James E. and Alethea Tully; she lived all her life in Kenosha. Her father was a Judge for the County of Kenosha. The Tully family settled in Kenosha in the 1800s after leaving Ireland and were bricklayers responsible for many of the early Kenosha buildings. Marg, as she was known to her friends, was a beautiful dancer, and in her youth traveled in the summer to New York City with her teacher and fellow students. The trip took three days by train and each night the dance students would have prepared a show for the passengers and entertained them. Margaret loved to entertain throughout her life. Marg met her husband, Bob in 8th grade. Marg’s grade school, St. James, had a party with the St. Thomas 8th grade where Bob went to school, and she immediately won him over with her deep blue eyes and wonderful smile. They married in Kenosha after he graduated from Marquette Dental School. During World War II, he served as an officer in the Pacific and she was home with their growing family of three children. They contributed to the now famous “baby boom” by adding four more children to their family for a total of seven. Marg and Bob enjoyed golf, tennis and playing bridge with their life long Kenosha friends from grade school and Mary D. Bradford High School. She was a loving and supportive wife and mother and together they contributed in so many ways to Kenosha and to St. James Parish - the church that they both loved and where they raised their children. After their kids left home, they tried wintering in Florida, but gave up early on that. Kenosha was always their home and they were happy to shovel snow if it meant being near their friends and family. Margaret is survived by her three sisters, Dorothy Iavello of Simi Valley, CA, Eileen Kent of Houston, TX, and Pat Baird of Boulder, CO. She was preceded in death by her beloved sister and best friend, Janet Newberry, and her brothers, James E. Tully, Jr. of Racine, and Don Tully of Jefferson. Her children in Kenosha are Dr. Robert (Buzz) Heller, Jr. D.D.S. (Mary Kae Hawkins Heller), Jane Whyte (Bill), Katie Wojtak (Barry), Patte Bleil (Bill) and Tom Heller (Deb Schultz Heller). Dr. Margaret Heller, D.C. resides in Mill Valley, CA, and Annie Wetherbee (Dan) in Sherman Oaks, CA. She has 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was recently able to hold in her arms and flash her big, blue eyes at her most recent great grandchild, Brylie Rose Taffora, daughter of Brian and Kelli Heller Taffora. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 20th, from Proko Funeral Home at 9:00 am. Mass to be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church at 9:30 am. Interment to follow at St. James Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Proko Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Dr. Robert and Margaret Heller Scholarship Fund at St. Joseph High School. The family is especially thankful to the Kenosha Hospice Alliance.When Irish eyes are smiling, sure, ‘tis like the morn in SpringIn the lilt of Irish laughter you can hear the angels sing.When Irish hearts are happy, all the world seems bright and gay.And when Irish eyes are smiling, sure they steal your heart away.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
David Baird
To all my cousins from the North,I wanted to send my sincere condolences on the passing of your mother and my aunt Margaret. I remember her sweet disposition, her calling me "dolly" (my mom still does that, too) and the feeling of being welcomed and loved by my extended family so many years ago. It has been many years since we've been in contact. I recently visited Annie in LA and had a wonderful time. My heart goes out to your family.When my dad passed many years ago, it was in some ways a gift to me as it turned me to delve deeper into my own spirituality. I hope you can find some spiritual solace in her passing. She is in a happy place.Take care everyone,David
LaTanya Dozier
My name is LaTanya, and I recently read about your loss. I too have lost loved ones in death, and know the pain that comes with such a loss. I wanted to take a moment to send you some words of comfort.I am a bible student, and have learned much about the subject of death. The bible teaches that death is an enemy, not something that God uses to bring individuals to himself in heaven. At 1 Corinthians 15:26 it says:
Margaret Babinski
Dr Heller and Family: My sincere condolences on the recent passing of your mother. I was unable to get to the wake or funeral mass but want you to know you and yours are in my prayers. If I can be of any assistance to you during this time please don't hesitate to call on me. God Bless. Margaret
Dick Del Frate
Buzz, Mary Kay and Heller Family,Please accept my prayers and condolences on the passing of your mom. As you know, I can appreciate through my own recent loss of my mother what you must be feeling at this time. Reading your mothers history helped me to better understand how you and all the members of your family whom I have had the pleasure of knowing, turned out so well. It must be both heredity as well as family environment. You are testament to the goodness of your dear mother.Sincerely,Dick Del Frate
Judy Testard
What a lovely obituary. Its nice to see that we can write more about our loved ones then we could in the past. Your father was my dentist and our parents were fiends. Our dads golfed together. I did not know your mom as well as your dad but I liked her and I know it how hard it is to lose your parents. Not a day goes by when I don't think of mine and they have been gone a long time. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I know your wonderful memories will keep them alive forever. Hugs! Judy
Tom Braun
Dear Heller Family:I just learned of the unfortunate news. I don't know where to begin. Your mother was one of the neighborhood mothers who cared for and raised us all. The memories coming rushing back - the sleep overs, parties in the den of the old house, car pool to St. Joes, Quiggly (?sp - too many years ago!)... Her kindness, gentle rubbing of my ear lobe, warmth and caring - these were a constant in our growing years. I wish I could be there to hug each of you and to share a tear of sadness and of joy - as you had one of the best mothers God could give a family - and we were lucky to have her with us for so many years! I learned so much about life, family values, parenting and just being a good person from growing up in our neighborhood with the kids and parents who made up my world. Your mom may have left us physically but she and our neighborhood parents will live on through and in us, and hopefully in our children, for many more generations. So, Mrs. Heller, thank you for being you and being such a wonderful part of my life!You are all in my thoughts and prayers - I truly wish I could be there with you,Love,Tom Braun
Don & Carol Camosy
We wish to offer our sincere condolences in the passing of your mother. It is never easy to temporarily lose anyone but we're sure she is resting peacefully in heaven and some day we will meet again. Your mom was a wonderful lady that we admired very much. We will miss her. Sincerely, Don & Carol Camosy
Dorothy (Russo) Heinrichs
My love and prayers are with all of the family at this very difficult time. I remember so many times as a teenager over at the Hellers when kids were coming and going all the time,and Mrs Heller always seemed to be so relaxed and calm about it all. She was always so gracious and a beautiful person on the inside as well as outside.
Joe Brittelli
Dear Buzz and familySorry to hear about the passing of your mother.Please accept my condolences.You had great parents.Good luck.
Tom Stell
To Buzz and the rest of the Heller clan, Please accept our condolences on the loss of Marg. Tom, Hilary and the rest of our family
Dick and Ann (Iavello) Schamber
Dear Buzz, Janie, Katie, Patty, Tom, Maggie & Annie: First of all, that picture is exactly the way I remember your Mom. She looks great! Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that we are all thinking about you. Wish we lived closer so we could be with you at this tough time. I also enjoyed reading the Obituary. At least now Aunt Margaret is no longer in pain and is feeling good and is re-united with Uncle Bob. Much love to all of you, Ann and Dick Schamber
Lorraine Marzini (Zapp)
Dear Heller Family: I will always remember your parents - their goodness and caring ways. When my Father drowned in 1970, it was your parents who called my Mom with their care & support. We weren't close friends just members of the same parish, St James. But your Mom's kindness and support helped my Mom so much, she spoke of it often. Your Mom's sparkling, joyful, happy spirit that she shared with so many will always be remembered!
David and Beverly Kent
Dear Heller family,What a wonderful picture of your mom. We are thinking of you.Love David, Beverly, David, Matthew and Adam