Helen Louise Carpenter, 84, of Champaign, passed away at 2:40 A.M. on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign.

Helen was born on May 26, 1931 in Paris, Illinois to parents James B. and Esther (Gleckler) Dively. On September 1, 1956 she married William O. Carpenter in Champaign, he survives. Also surviving is their son Mark Carpenter and his partner Jim Oberlies of Naples, FL., her sister Kathryn Seaman, and brothers Steve, Mike and Tim Dively. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Jim, Paul and John Dively and her sister Margaret Davis.

Helen attended Paris Public Schools and University High School in Urbana. After attending Business College she had a successful 35 year career at Super Valu JM Jones where she met Rob Redden, whom she considered her adopted son.

She was a founding member and president of the JM Jones Federal Credit Union with her dear friend Lillian Baker. She was given an effective chapter award for her work there, recognized by the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation for her philanthropic work and received a Human Rights Award from Bahai Communities of Champaign County for the promotion of civil rights. Helen was also a member of Eastern Star and American Business Women's Association.

Helen loved her family and friends and is going to be missed by everyone who was blessed enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Helen's memory to the Champaign County Humane Society.