Helena Foley

Ms. Helena Foley was born on August 13, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois to Richard and Helen Ruth Mangun. She was the fifth of ten children. Helena was known to her family as “Hanny,” and she was “TeeTee” to her niece, Gladys.

Helena was baptized as a Catholic at Saint Malachy’s Church at a young age. She later became a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica. She also was a member of the Council of Catholic Women.

Helena attended Saint Malachy’s School on the west side of Chicago. In furthering her education, she went to school for a trade in tailoring, and also attended Marion Business College. She later went to Malcolm X to receive her GED. She went to Triton College for some Computer and Spanish classes. She went to Harold Washington and received a certificate in Food Management.

Helena had one daughter, her pride and joy, Corea Hodge, with her first love, Thelbert Elders. Helena was a very independent and proud person. She worked very hard. Sometimes two jobs to care for her only child, as a single parent. Her first employment was at Garfield Hospital, later Bethany Hospital. She retired from Margaret Manor North as Director of Food Services. Helena loved to cook, tell jokes, laugh, watch spooky movies, and westerns. She loved her Cowboys. She made the best soup and greens. She loved her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Helena had a heart of gold. She contributed to several foundations. She was a cheerful giver with a caring spirit. Everyone was welcome in her home. Later in life she met Paul Stovall, her last true love.

Helena fell asleep in death on November 6, 2023, at her home with her family by her side who provided skilled care along with hospice support. She passed away peacefully with dignity, while being cared for and loved.

Helena is preceded in death by both her parents; brothers, Donald, Richard, Mazzar, Paul, and Peter; sisters, Carrie, Hester, and Amanda; and her special friend, Paul Stovall.

Helena leaves to cherish her memory her beloved daughter, Corea (Robert) Hodge; three grandchildren, Robbie Conley, Kimberly (Tyrone) Fisher, and Robert (Malissa) Hodge; six great grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren; and one brother, David Mangum; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Lollipop left her some sugar babies.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helena Foley, please visit our floral store.