Helen Marie Hoppe

Age 83 of Wilmington, Illinois died peacefully at her home in the presence of her family on July 25, 2023.

Born February 14, 1940 in Wilmington, Illinois, Helen Marie was a daughter of George William and Helen Frances (Onsen) Phillips. She was raised in Florence Township; attended the country school, and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1958. Helen’s career began with the Army Procurement Services Agency (APSA) before gaining employment with Stone Container Company. She later went to work for Empress Casino where she was honored as Employee of the Month, as well as Employee of the Year and retired in 1999. Following her retirement, Helen went to work with her son Steve at Evans Lawn and Garden, and most recently was President of Davy Industrial Park, Inc. in Wilmington. It was in the late 1980’s that Helen began dating Bill Davy, and their relationship continued for more than two decades. The two were married in 2009, and Bill preceded her in death on March 13, 2013.

Helen was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington; served the City of Wilmington as a City Alderman for Ward 4, and belonged to the Republican Women’s Club.

Helen enjoyed reading, family genealogy, and traveling. She was a spiritual soul, who was a family caregiver her entire life. Family was always her first and foremost priority.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Betty Evans of Wilmington; two sisters: Rita (the late Ed) McGrath of Manhattan and Georgia (Bill) Phelan of Wilmington; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; her former husband Noel Hoppe and his family of International Falls, Minnesota, and her ‘bestest friend’, Nancy Duffy of Wilmington.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband William E. Davy, Jr.; sister, Jean (Jerry) Nugent; her former husband and the father of her son, Larry Evans; one niece, Theresa Osburn and two nephews, Daniel and James McGrath.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Friday, July 28, 2023 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow Saturday morning, July 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Dr. Roy Backus officiating.

Helen will be laid to rest next to her late husband Bill in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Helen’s memory to The First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington, 301 N. Kankakee Street, Wilmington, IL 60481.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Helen’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)