Helen Bernice (Place) Sparks

Helen Bernice Sparks, residing in Arlington Heights, IL, formerly of South Bend, passed away Thursday, August 26, 2021, at the Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights, just one week after her 97th birthday. She was born August 19, 1924 in South Bend, a daughter of Russell & Bernice (Gindelberger) Place, and lived in South Bend for 91 years before moving to Illinois.

On July 19, 1947 in South Bend, Helen was united in marriage to Fred Sparks.  Together, they enjoyed 46 years of marriage until his passing on January 1, 1994.  She was also preceded in death by a sister, Jean Salveter.

Helen received her Bachelors in Economics from Kalamazoo College. She retired in 1995 as a Bookkeeper for Clay Service Center in South Bend.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Ralph) Filippelli of Arlington Heights, IL; and her three sons, Russ (Peggy) Sparks of Estero, FL, Rick Sparks of O’Fallon, MO; and John Sparks of Houston, TX.  Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Sarah Sparks of O’Fallon, MO; Ryan (Jenni) Sparks of Webster Groves, MO; Dan (Adrienne) Sparks of West Linn, OR; Susan (Scott) Barnhart of Indianapolis, IN; Kaitlin (Ray) Frederick of Jeffersonville, IN; Alison Filippelli of Madison, WI; Bryan Filippelli of Chicago, IL; Matthew Filippelli of Minneapolis, MN; Tyler Filippelli of Arlington Heights, IL; along with seven great-grandsons and four great-granddaughters.  Helen is also survived by her sister, Virginia (Roy) Nevans of Longboat Key, FL; and a brother, James (Chris) Place of Valparaiso, IN.

Services will be held at 10:00am Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Palmer Funeral Homes-Bubb Chapel, 3910 N Main St, Mishawaka, IN. Friends may visit with the family starting at 9:00am at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow at City Cemetery, Mishawaka, IN. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. It can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3QKvlMnDjY

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Helen Sparks may be offered to Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Rd, Niles, MI 49120. Online condolences may be sent to the Sparks family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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