Helen L. (Fandel) Vicare

Helen L. (Fandel) Vicare, 75, of Little Swan Lake, IL, passed away at 6:35 p.m., Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Monmouth Nursing Home, Monmouth, IL.  

She was born on January 30, 1949, in Peoria, IL, the daughter of Norbert and Louisa (Block) Fandel. Helen was raised and educated in rural Metamora and graduated in 1967 from the Academy of Our Lady in Peoria. She earned her nursing degree from Saint Francis School of Nursing in 1970 and later her RN. 

Helen married Gerald L. Vicare on February 12, 1971, at Saint Mary’s Lourdes Catholic Church in Germantown Hills, IL and he survives.  

After Helen and Gerald were married, they both proudly served in the Peace Corps for two years from 1972-1974. Helen was the main medical provider for several villages in the Tonga Vava’u area. After their time in the Peace Corps, Helen and Gerald spent a year traveling before returning home. Helen began her nursing career at Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria in Pediatric Medicine and eventually became the manager of the Pediatric floor until her retirement in 2014. Helen loved hiking and backpacking with her husband, and spending time outdoors. She enjoyed horticulture, and liked to care for her garden, plants and flowers.  

Surviving Helen is her husband, Gerald Vicare of Little Swan Lake, IL; her sisters, Betty (Mike) Phillips of Peoria Heights, IL, Geralyn “Geri” (Rick) Hammer of Germantown Hills, IL; her brother, Mike (Jan) Fandel of Magnolia, IL. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Norberta Jean Faulkner. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 29, 2024, at Saint Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church (424 Lourdes Church Rd, Germantown Hills, IL 61548). A Rosary Service will be at 4:30 p.m. with visitation to follow from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. A 2nd Visitation will take place prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Church. Interment will be in Saint Mary of Lourdes Cemetery, Germantown Hills, IL. Memorials can be made to the OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria and can be sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.