Helen Myers was born and raised in Downers Grove. Never one to sit still, she started working part-time at Lucille’s Cleaners while still in high school. She later left to attend college, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Benedictine College. Her friendly smile and outstanding customer service at Lucille’s had made a lasting impression on customers. So when she applied for a position at AT&T after graduating, the hiring manager turned out to be one of those former customers. She was hired on the spot. Her career with AT&T—interrupted only by a short break to raise her children—spanned 36 years and included perfect attendance. Before retiring, she rose to the position of marketing manager.
Helen has long been known and appreciated for freely giving of her time and talents in many volunteer capacities. She has been a lifelong member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, serving on many committees and work areas, including leadership roles with the Women’s Group and the church council.
She played a key role in fundraising efforts to bring Good Samaritan Hospital to Downers Grove. After the hospital was established, she continued her involvement by volunteering with Good Sam’s Auxiliary. She served as auxiliary president from 2003 to 2004 and spent many years working alongside fellow volunteers in the gift shop.
Helen volunteered with the Downers Grove Historical Society and was honored as a director emeritus. Those who worked alongside her—as both a dedicated volunteer and valued board member—knew they could always count on Helen to be involved, whether at Founders Day activities, Living Cemetery events, fundraising efforts, or answering questions about Downers Grove history. She also served for many years as a museum docent, leading tours and enthusiastically sharing her knowledge with visitors eager to learn more about the community’s past.The Morton Arboretum also benefited from her volunteer spirit as she and her dear friend Montrew Dunham spent many hours there as docents.
Helen noted that “I’ve always found people who like to volunteer to be very interesting.” This fact and her love of history and of Downers Grove kept her coming back time and again to volunteer her time and talents to make a difference.
In 2019, Helen was recognized by the Downers Grove Historical Society as Historian of the Year in recognition of her many years of dedicated service and the time and talent she generously shared with the Historical Society and numerous other worthy organizations.
