Helen Newcomb

Helen Newcomb, 78, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, July 28, 2024 at her daughter's home surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 1, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A rosary will be said by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas at 9:30am on Friday, August 2, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, with Msgr. Mark Merdian officiating. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery.

Helen was born November 17, 1945, in Ottawa, IL, to John and Ella (Barr) Lakan. She married Robert Newcomb Jr. on November 10, 1971 at St. Patrick's Church in Ottawa. Together they spent 31 years before his passing on December 8, 2004.

She worked for Libby Owens Ford where she met the love of her life, Robert. Later she worked in the cafeteria of St. Patrick's School. More than anything though, she lived for her family. She adored her granddaughters and both of them grew up having her care for them. She was an avid dance grandma, and loved attending her granddaughters' activities. She also loved her nephews and both of them attended "Helen's School" growing up. She was a talented crocheter, and made all of her family various items. She was extremely giving of her time and could regularly be found volunteering for anything St. Pats needed. She was a member of St. Patrick's Church, The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and the Alter and Rosary Society.

She is survived by her children, John (Sara) Newcomb of Naperville and Emily (Steve) Wedewer of Lockport; her granddaughters, Isabella Newcomb and Grace Wedewer; and her sisters, Charlotte Richardson and Marilyn "Mag" (David) Maubach.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ella; her husband, Robert; and a son in infancy.

Memorials may be directed to the family to be distributed to causes that were important to Helen.