Helen Lenore (nee Hillier) McGonagle passed appropriately on Mother's Day, May 8 ^th , 2022, in Mt. Washington, Kentucky, near Louisville at the age of 99.

She was born September 19 ^th , 1922 to Gerald and Loretta Hillier in Newark, Ohio, attending grade school and high school at St. Francis de Sales in Newark.

On August 10 ^th , 1946, she was married in Newark to James V. McGonagle after he returned from service in the United States Navy during WWII, starting a marital journey of 76 years. Their corporate relocation journeys took them throughout the states of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois before retiring in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee in 1978. With Jim spending many hours on the golf course, Helen took up the game to spend more time together. She had finally discovered the joy of the game, and joined the ladies' golf league playing well into her 80's, making numerous life-long friends.  Jim and Helen hosted several family reunions for cousins and relatives from across the country.  Those gatherings created special memories for all, with Helen always willing to take on all challengers for Euchre or Bridge. Helen was very active in her church, St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade, volunteering for many years, serving her church community in numerous capacities.

Eventually, Jim and Helen relocated to Louisville in 2015 to be closer to daughter Barbara who provided loving care to both of them in their final years.

Together they raised 5 wonderful children; James Patrick (Carolyn) McGonagle and Mary Marsha (Larry) Mikeworth both of Newark; Kathleen Sue (Richard, deceased) Koegle of New Braunfels, Texas; Barbara Kay (Thomas) Eckhoff of Louisville, Kentucky; and Diane Marie (Donald) DeWitte of St. Charles, Illinois.

Helen was a loving grandmother to Christine and Erin McGonagle, Vince (Laura) Koegle, Kelly (Robert) Wagner, Lisa (Eric)McKinney, Mike (Diane) Eckhoff, Patrick (Megan) DeWitte, and Michael DeWitte.

She was a treasured great-grandmother to Aaron, Marissa, Exauce and Eli Koegle; Edwin Wagner, and Kaylie and Abby Eckhoff.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 76 years Jim in 2020, and her parents Gerald and Loretta Hillier.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 14th, 2022, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Newark, Ohio. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., followed by funeral mass at 11a.m., with Father Dave Sizemore presiding.  Funeral services will be livestreamed on the St. Francis de Sales YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/stfadmin

Inurnment with her husband Jim will be at St. Joseph cemetery, following mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Newark Catholic High School Foundation, or the charitable organization of your choice.