Memorial
Helen Elnora (Harrington) McConaughy passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2015, in her home in Sun City, AZ, surrounded by her family.
Helen was born January 13, 1926, in Seattle, Washington, to John M. and Rosa A. (Dick) Harrington. Soon after, they made their home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. That is where Helen attended school and graduated from Roosevelt High School. On July 25, 1947, she married Lyle James McConaughy from Marion, Iowa. They moved to Clarion, Iowa where they raised 5 children and were active in The First Lutheran Church.
Helen is survived by her husband (of 67 years!), Lyle, and 4 of their children: Laura Jenkins (Jack), Marty McConaughy (Jodi), Mark McConaughy (Mary), and Jill Sego (Jake). She is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Jason Jenkins (Becca), Sally Snyder (Dave), Susie Elsasser (Tim), Lyle James McConaughy II, Kirstan Linder, Mary Kate McConaughy, Adam Linder (Michele), and Marianne McConaughy; and 6 great-grandchildren: Will and Sean Snyder, Jimmy and Skyler Linder, Novaleen Jenkins, and Carly Elsasser.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister, Margaret, and 3 brothers, John, Richard, and James Harrington, and her and Lyle’s youngest son, James Lyle McConaughy.
Helen excelled in her vocation as a wife, mother, and homemaker. You couldn’t find a home that was cleaner or more organized, but still full of love and fun! Helen would never say she excelled at anything, but all who knew her knew that she excelled at many things: such as generosity, kindness, love, hard work, fun, dancing, crafts, whistling, and did I say fun? Her friends and family will miss her so, but also know that she is with her Jesus and smiling once again.
Lyle requests memorial donations be given to their church, Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church 11025 N 111th Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351.