Helen "Grandma Honey" (Freter) Petrilla

Helen M. Petrilla (Freter)

Age 85 of Crest Hill, passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Amita Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet with her loving family by her side. She was born on August 14, 1935 in Joliet, IL.

Helen started two businesses, Joliet Ceramic Arts and Crafts in 1966 and Gallery 1700 in 2009.  Her favorite place to be was in New Smyrna Beach, Florida where she had a second residence with her husband, George. That was her happy place and she loved seeing her family spend time having fun and eating at all of their favorite restaurants. She loved watching her grandchildren in their activities and was always proud of them. Helen liked playing cards in the morning with her husband.  She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Shorewood, IL.

Helen was preceded in death by her infant son: Gregory Paul and her parents: Henry and Rose Freter. Plus, numerous sisters and brothers-in-law.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband: George Petrilla of Crest Hill; her sons: George H. Petrilla of Crest Hill and Jeffrey (Brandy) Petrilla of Joliet. She was Grandma Honey to: Ryan, Alexis, Anthony, Margaret and Sofia Petrilla. One sister and brother-in-law: Richard and Carol McGuire of Prescott, Arizona. One sister-in-law: Barbara Pekar of Lockport, IL. She had special nieces: Michelle Beck, Karen O’Connell, Mary Kay McGrath, Holly Kerwin, and her Godson and nephew: Robert Kerwin and nephew: Michael McGuire, as well as many other nieces and nephews.

Per Helen's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

A memorial service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021. The address is 305 W. Black Rd, Shorewood, IL 60404. Face masks will be required. Pastor William Ryden will be officiating the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Helen’s memory to Hope Lutheran Church.