.Helen Revell Irvin, 65, of Clinton died peacefully surrounded by her family at home Friday (Nov. 16, 2018).

 

She is survived by her loving husband, Stan Irvin; children, Jason (Amy) Searson of St. Clairsville, Ohio, Jami (Jacob) Smith of Tolono, Chad (Dana) Irvin of Grayslake and Troy Irvin of Madison, Wis.; grandchildren, Kayce, Carson, Zachary, Chase and Kyle; brothers, Gary (Zoe) Revell and Raymond (Susan) Revell, both of Urbana; brother-in-law, Scott (Sue) Irvin of Lewiston, Mont.; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her most loyal friend, Lola.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Ruby Johnson Revell.

 

Helen was born June 28, 1953, in Urbana. She grew up in Tolono and graduated from Unity High School. She co-owned and operated Julen's Opticians at the Round Barn Center in Champaign for 23 years. She was proud to be one of the few independent, women-owned eye care businesses serving central Illinois.

 

She was an avid baker and enjoyed cooking for family and friends, sitting around the campfire, gardening, summer visits to northern Wisconsin, Saturday afternoons at Bunny's in Urbana and listening to her talented musician friends perform.

 

The family wishes to thank Dr. Rowland at Carle Foundation Hospital and Becky from Harbor Lights Hospice for the dedication and empathy in making sure Helen had the best care.

 

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family requests a memorial in her name to the University of Illinois Veterinary Hospital or to a memorial of their choice.

 

In Helen's memory, we would like her family and friends to remember her infectious laugh and lifelong bond of friendship. She loved you with all her heart and wishes to be remembered with a "cheers" when you think of her. While her life was shortened in years, she lived a full and extremely happy life that can never be taken away from her. Be good to each other, Helen will always be with you in memory.

 

There will be no visitation or funeral service, per Helen's wishes. A celebration of her life will be held in the near future in Champaign. Her ashes will be inurned in a private ceremony at Maroa Township Cemetery, Maroa, at a later date.

 

Freese Funeral Home, 407 N. Bourne, Tolono, is assisting the family with arrangements.