Helen Josi

Sun Prairie - Helen A. Josi, age 95 passed away on Monday, August 18, 2014 at the Highland House in Waterloo. She was born in Marshall, WI, the daughter of Leonard and Martha (Pirkl) Springer. After graduating from Waterloo High School in 1936, she went on to further her education at Madison Barnhart Business School. She then worked as a legal, medical and public utility secretary, until her retirement in 1981 from the Department of Public Instruction in Madison. She loved to recall her experience of working in New York City and for the State of Wisconsin. In 1996, Helen moved from her home in Waterloo to the Colonial Club apartments in Sun Prairie, where she loved volunteering for many activities. She enjoyed the "Red Hat Society" and sang in the Colonial Club Chorus. Helen was a talented musician, first playing piano and clarinet for her father's orchestra. She lived her life to the fullest on her own terms. Helen will be remembered for her love of life, extraordinary spirit, positive attitude, quirky sense of humor and selfless heart. She was devoted to her family and friends.
Helen was a devout Christian and member of St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, St. Zita's Circle in Sun Prairie and St. Joseph's Altar Sodality of Waterloo. She was also a member of the Waterloo and Marshall Historical Societies, the Waterloo Business & Professional Women Foundation and retired co-founder and leader of the Waterloo Girl Scouts.
Helen is survived by her daughter; Terri Tull of Sun Prairie, three grandchildren; Lisa (Aaron) Young of Sun Prairie, Erin (Adam) Salmon of Columbus and Sarah Norton of Madison, three great grandchildren; Josie and Grace Young and Sawyer Salmon, two nephews; Greg McGovern and Grant (Nickie Doyle) McGovern and great nephew; Ryan Doyle McGovern.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Les and her sister Marjorie (Wayne) McGovern.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. ALBERT THE GREAT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2420 St. Albert Drive, Sun Prairie on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 11:00 am with Monsignor Terrence Connors presiding. A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of Mass. Graveside services will follow on Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Waterloo at 2:00 pm.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Michael Aughey of Sun Prairie, to the staff at Highland House of Waterloo, and Marquardt Hospice of Watertown for their loving and compassionate care.