Helen Van Oosbree

Madison - Helen Van Oosbree, age 57, passed away on April 26, 2009 peacefully at home surrounded by her family after battling cancer for four months. Helen Aileen Molloy was born December 26, 1951, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, the 7^th of 10 children to Joseph and Teresa Molloy. Helen married her high-school sweetheart, Tom Van Oosbree, on December 30, 1972. Helen and Tom lived in Iowa City until 1977 and moved to Madison where they have happily resided ever since. Helen had tremendous enthusiasm for life and her energy rubbed off on everyone she met and in everything she did. She cared for others more than herself and made sure that everyone was greeted with a smile and felt important. She created strong bonds with her large family as she never missed a family get together or summer vacation to Lake Okoboji. Helen was always at the center of organizing an event or fun. Whether it was a picnic for the neighborhood, volunteering at Blessed Sacrament School or parish, or a family football weekend, Helen brought all her creativity and character to make sure that everyone had a good time. She worked at both Slichter Residents Hall and University of Wisconsin System Trust Funds, where she built many life-long friendships. Helen treasured every minute that she spent with her husband, children and grand-children. Helen was a beloved wife of Tom Van Oosbree; cherished mother of Katie (Tim Homar), Joe (Deirdre Burke) and Marie; loving grandmother of Tara, Isaac, and Elena; and is survived by her mother-in-law, Mary Van Oosbree (Rielly); five brothers, Bill (Patty), Jerry (Susan), Bob (Ruth), Joe (Ruth), Mike (Beth); and four sisters, Mary Kathryn (Tony Catalano), Ruth (Max Norvell), Janet (Dave Brown), Joann (Rick Boylan); numerous brothers and sisters in laws; and almost one hundred nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Teresa Molloy; father-in law, Chris Van Oosbree; and sister-in-law, Rose Ann Molloy. A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2009 at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2115 Rowley Avenue, Madison, with Fr. Patrick Norris, O.P. officiating. The family extends their sincere appreciation to Annette Plante, her Meriter Home Health nurse, the UW Hospital and staff, and all the friends and family that were so generous during the past few months. In lieu of flowers, Helen requested that donations be made in her honor to American Cancer Society, 8317 Elderberry Road, Madison, WI 53717, or Blessed Sacrament School, 2112 Hollister Ave, Madison, WI 53726.