Helen Kay Califf, a longtime resident of Carthage, died peacefully on September 29th, at Golden Good Shepherd Nursing Home. She passed one day before her 95th Birthday.

Kay was born on September 30th, 1931, in Morrison, Il. She was the daughter of Peter and Edna Hoogeveen. She lived in Sterling, Illinois until attending Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. While at Coe College, she met and later married Philip Archer Califf in 1951. Kay and Phil later divorced in 1995, but remained close, loving friends the remainder of their lives. Kay graduated from Western Illinois in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She taught 25 years before retiring in 1993. Twenty-four of those years were spent at Nauvoo-Colusa School District. After retirement, Kay continued teaching GED and Adult Education classes for Carl Sandburg College for five years. She was also a Substitute Teacher in Hancock County and Keokuk, Iowa, until she completely retired at age 70.

Kay was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority at Coe College. She was a former member of the United Methodist Church. Kay taught Sunday School and sang in the choir for many years. Kay served on the Carthage Library Board and convinced the board to hire a librarian with a degree in Library Science.

Kay’s greatest joy was being a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandma, and great-grandma (G.G.) Kay’s mother, Edna Hoogeveen said, God knows where to send the babies when he sends them to Kay. She made all holidays, birthdays, and special occasions memorable events for her family. Kay was a very special lady with a wonderful sense of humor, impeccable style, beauty, and grace. The family was gifted with her kindness and generosity throughout their lives. Kay was the rock of the family and left a legacy of love. She was able to live for almost ninety-five years with the people that loved her the most.

Kay lived in Carthage for sixty wonderful years and made lifelong friends. Phil and Kay had wonderful dinner parties. She was an outstanding hostess for their couples group serving delicious food and drinks. Kay hosted bridge and birthday clubs for the ladies. She was known for her delicious homemade pies. Many family dinners included a beautifully set table with china, sterling silver, and glasses. Kay enjoyed sewing, reading, golfing, teaching, and most of all spending time with her family.

Kay was a beacon of unconditional love and warmth to her family. The happiness of those she loved was the most important thing to her. Kay was her family’s North Star. Her light will continue to be seen long after it has faded. She is survived by three children: Steven A. Califf and his wife Janet, of Rockford, Holly K. Veach of Golden, and Kristine Gawin of Quincy.

Five devoted grandchildren: Lindsay Califf, Andrew A. Califf and wife Maria, Wesley Hudson, and Haley and Hannah (Key) Gawin. Five great grandsons: Aiden A. Nicholas, Gabriel and Elijah Burgos, Patrick A. and Cedrick A. Califf. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents Peter and Edna Hoogeveen, former husband Phil Califf, sisters Joan Gregg and Judy Willis, son in laws Tom Gawin and Danny Veach. Per Kay’s wishes, her body was donated to the University of Iowa Deeded Body program.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 14th at Lake Hill Winery, 1822 East County Road 1540, Carthage, Illinois. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00, with Celebration of Life at 11:00, followed by a luncheon. Kay has designated the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association for the memorial, in honor of a dear friend. Please make checks payable to Holly Veach, 700 Wendell, Golden, IL 62339. Holly will make a dedicated donation in Kay’s name at als.org.