Helen Stone (Epper) Holbrook

Helen Stone Holbrook, 99, of Metamora, IL, passed away at 3:14 pm on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.

She was born on October 12, 1922, in Monroe, Washington, to Fred and Berta (Stutz) Epper. She married Cecil C. Stone in April, 1942. He passed away on July 5, 1983.

Surviving are her son, Dwight (Mary) Stone of Germantown Hills, IL; grandchildren, Alan (Cathy) Stone, Dr. Shelly (Dr. John) Shallat, Scott (Julie) Stone, Heather Stone, and Geoffrey (Becky) Stone; great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Jaclyn, Anna, Joseph, Caden, Avery, Emerson, Blake, and Nora; and sister, Gertrude Miller. She was preceded in death by two sons, Ronald and Gavin, two subsequent husbands, Milton Vocelka and Warren Holbrook, and twelve brothers and sisters.

Born to Swiss immigrant parents in Washington state, Helen was raised on a dairy farm.  She was a beautiful Epper sister, WW2 bride and new mom, hairstylist, surrogate parent for orphaned siblings, encourager of the GI bill for her ultimate mechanical engineer husband, sister of a Korean War marine, 1 year TB sanitarium surviving person with small children at home, mom of a Vietnam War draftee, hoster of the most delicious Thanksgiving dinners, shrewd investor, attender of all graduations no matter how long or boring including great grandchildren, kitchen table talker, pie and potato salad crafter extraordinaire, stylish dresser, avid book reader, volunteer, devoted friend, mental health advocate, nature lover, swimmer, dog sitter, listener, frugal shopper, fisherwoman, card shark, teacher, and advice giver.  She survived lots of hard things.  Somehow she made anything look survivable.  She laughed.  She didn't slow down.

In recent years she continued her card playing, dinners out, and playing pool at the local bar with her good friend Tom Lindenfelser. She was adventuresome. Helen took cross country road trips at age 94 with her 85 year old sister Trudy at the wheel.  Their GPS was a map and asking gas station attendants for directions. They made their destination.  Twice.  We have been blessed to have Helen in this world since 1922.  The next 100 years won't be the same without her. We will miss you Mom/Grandma.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home via osfhealthcarefoundation.org. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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