Huntley's Helen Marlowe dies at 100 years old

HUNTLEY – Helen Marlowe – known for her work in the community with Marlowe Feed and Hatchery, McHenry County 4-H and First Congregational Church of Huntley – died Friday.

The Huntley resident was 100 years old.

Marlowe was born in Ringwood and graduated from McHenry High School, according to her obituary. She attended the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago as a student of music performance in trumpet, French horn and marimba.

Marlowe was the first McHenry County delegate to the National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C., her obituary said, and for more than 20 years, Marlowe worked with young women as an enthusiastic and creative 4-H leader.

Judy Corson of Woodstock worked with Marlowe in McHenry County 4-H.

“She was always very, very dedicated,” Corson said. “In just the last few years, she used to always attend our recognition banquet.”

Corson said Marlowe donated the Henry Marlowe Award to 4-H in her husband’s memory. The award goes to an outstanding 4-H participant, Corson said.

Helen Marlowe married Henry Marlowe, a Huntley High School agriculture teacher, in 1935.

Although Marlowe Middle School in Lake in the Hills was named after Henry Marlowe, Huntley Community School District 158 spokesman Dan Armstrong said the school's name represents both Marlowes.

“Especially after his passing, the school has held up Mrs. Marlowe as a symbol and ambassador and has appreciated her support, both financial and in attending numerous events at the school each year,” Armstrong said in a statement.

When Henry Marlowe died in 1984, Helen stepped in and operated Marlowe Feed and Hatchery, changing the business to accommodate the changing demographics of McHenry County from farms to suburban homes, until 1998, when she retired at age 82.

While operating the business, Helen Marlowe continued her 42-year position as director of the four handbell choirs at First Congregational Church of Huntley. She also was a major donor to the church music program.

She is survived by her four children, Elizabeth Buchal, Lyle Marlowe, Dean Marlowe and Faye Marlowe; sister, Carol Donahue; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

“Helen was a dedicated and loving wife, mother and grandmother to her ever-increasing family,” her obituary reads.

The visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St., Huntley. Private interment will be in Carr-Harrison Cemetery in Ringwood.

Memorials in Helen’s name can be given to the First Congregational Church Hand Bell Choir or to the Marlowe Middle School Music Department c/o James A. O’Connor Funeral Home, P.O. Box 74, Huntley, IL 60142-0074.