Helen Jean Edwards

ROCKFORD - Helen Jean Versluis Edwards, 94, went to be with the Lord on May 22, 2022.

Helen was born in Stanley, Iowa, on January 22, 1928, the daughter of Emil Joseph and Mary Rose (Brinacombe) Versluis.  She graduated from Stanley High School and Upper Iowa University where she met the love of her life Thomas William Edwards. After Tom's discharge from the Navy Helen was a devoted wife and mother. The most important part of Helen's life was being a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, living a life pleasing and honorable to her Lord and intentionally leading others to Christ. Throughout her life she relied on the Lord for wisdom and guidance through many difficulties and hardships including working full-time as a teacher and part-time tutor to provide for and raise three children by herself due to Tom's passing from cancer at age 40. Later in life, Helen married Sanford Swanson who predeceased Helen. Despite Helen's significant disabilities from her 2017 stroke her faith never wavered, and she continuously served her Lord Jesus Christ, sharing her love of Christ and the Gospel with other nursing home residents, medical and nursing staff. Her tremendous faith in God began as a child attending the Stanley Union Church where her grandmother (Helen G. Brinacombe) was one of the founding members. Helen was actively involved with First Free Rockford Church, Salvation Army Bible classes and the local DAR Chapter. She was a wonderful mother who loved her family very much and will be missed. The family would like to thank Anam Care staff for their excellent and compassionate care, Dr. Kalweit and Serenity Hospice.

Helen is survived by her son, Dan (Stacy) Edwards of Rochester, Minnesota; daughters, Laurie (Jeff) Azeltine of Marion, Iowa and Maribeth Speckman of Rockford, Illinois. She is survived by 7 grandchildren, Timothy and Brian Azeltine, Matthew, Nicholas and Nolan Edwards, Jennifer Speckman Crancer and Thomas Speckman; along with 4 great-grandchildren, Preston Azeltine, Desmond and Eloise Helen Edwards, Sophie and Michael Thomas Crancer. She is predeceased by her parents; sister, Marian Grace Versluis; and brothers, Franklin and Floyd Versluis.

Private Graveside Services will be held in Joliet, IL.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Stanley Union Church, 126 Winslow St. N., Stanley, IA 50671.

www.rockfordfunerals.com