Helen Reynolds

PLATTEVILLE—Helen Louise Reynolds, 60, passed peacefully at her home in the evening hours of October 2, 2016, filled and surrounded by love.

A Virginia native, Helen's wit, good humor, and positive outlook were endearing to all who met her. She is survived by her beloved son Sean and daughter Emily, and devoted companion Dave Stebbins. She is also survived by her father, Jack Reynolds (Richmond, Virginia), two brothers, two sisters, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, three nieces, a nephew, great nephew, and many extended family members, most all of whom are Virginians. Her mother, Jean, preceded her.

Helen will be remembered for the way she embodied everything good and beautiful through the quality of her character, especially her lovingkindness. She was creative at heart, including being a natural at making her home a heartwarming sanctuary. Her family received firsthand the outpouring of daily acts of love, not the least of which were her delicious homemade meals. Helen loved learning from a young age. She graduated from James Madison University, and received graduate degrees from JMU and Iowa State University. Her personality was a perfect fit for her service in the UW-Platteville Academic and Career Exploration Services office where she guided and helped students for over 15 years.

After an initial diagnosis of cancer in 2001, Helen had 11 years of clear health. However, the past four years were more aggressive. Positive to the last, she always considered herself fortunate to have had ‘bonus years.' Every single day Helen chose joy and peace. However, she despised the phrase ‘courageous battle with cancer' and considered a more fitting description of cancer to be ‘a highly irritating slog.'

All expressions of support and care have been, are, and will remain greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice. Helen took particular pleasure in contributing to the Nature Conservancy.

A celebration of her incredible life will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2016, at Melby Funeral Home in Platteville. Visitation will begin at 2:00, with a brief program at 2:30, followed by continued celebration. As Helen would want it, this gathering of family and friends will be casual with pie, coffee, tea, and stories. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.