Helen Hollenbeck (nee Pezze) – A lifelong resident of Joliet passed away suddenly at home at the age of 74. Born January 23, 1941 to the late Anthony and Jennie (nee Corso) Pezze. Survived by four children Paul (Juana), Lynn (Rob) Bednar, Ray (Ginger) and Gina (Scott) Filippelli. Adoring Grandmother to five grandchildren Michael, Zachary, Sara, Jessica and Emma. Preceded in death by her husband Harvey Hollenbeck (2009) and a brother John Pezze. Helen was a proud alumni of St. Francis Academy and Northern Illinois University. Helen taught in the Joliet Public Schools for 25 years and retired in 2002. During her 25 years, she taught at Eisenhower, FE Marsh and Cunningham grade schools. In recent years she enjoyed volunteering at St. Joseph Hospital Gift Shop, the Rialto Square Theatre and the Encore Shop at Silver Cross Hospital. Helen was a loving mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her grandkids on family vacations and took great pride in watching them at their concerts, plays, and athletic events. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed being part of the Joliet Area Garden Club. The family would like to extend their deepest thank you to Dr. Justin Kline at the University of Chicago and his staff for their outstanding care and compassion given to Helen while she was being treated for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. The family would also like to thank the "lunch bunch", neighbors and cousins for their unending support of Helen since Harvey passed and she was diagnosed with CLL. Funeral services will be held from the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 9:30 A.M. to The Church of St. Jude for a Mass of Christian Burial to be Celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Memorial contributions to the Harvey R. Hollenbeck Scholarship Fund which benefits Joliet Township High School Baseball Players, C/o New Century Credit Union, 1910 Ferro Drive, New Lenox, IL 60451 will be appreciated. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 3:00 – 8:00 P.M.