Helen I. Slavens

Helen I. Slavens passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children on Thursday, April 1, 2010.    Helen was born on November 28, 1938 in Kenilworth, Illinois to Carl E. and Lorraine (Busch) Lund.  She graduated from New Trier High School in 1956.  Helen attended the University Of Wichita State, Kansas, in 1957, majoring in Music Studies, and Voice.  Helen was married to James W. Slavens on June 18, 1958. She attended the University of Wisconsin, Parkside, graduating with High Distinction with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1972.  Her course work for her Masters degree in Philosophy was completed at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1974.  Helen was employed at American Family Insurance, in Madison, Wisconsin from 1975-1999, when she retired.    Helen was actively involved the Wisconsin chapter of the Libertarian Party for many years, and was a past Chairperson.  Helen fought and survived breast cancer and was involved in the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation.  She was a devoted tutor in a program that assisted newly arrived immigrants in English as a Second Language.  Helen truly enjoyed her volunteer position as an usher at the Madison Overture Center.  She was a long time member of Olbrich Botanical Gardens.  She loved classical music, ZZ Top, played the piano, enjoyed the culinary arts, and golfing.  She traveled around the world including a recent African safari to Tanzania.  Helen enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and her many friends.  She was a life long Cubs and Packer fan.    Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father (Donald Mc Nevin), former husband, James W. Slavens, daughter-in-law Victoria Oakes and millions of Cub fans who were waiting for a World Series victory.  She is survived by her children; Lorraine (John) Mund, of Fox Lake, Wisconsin, Patrick Slavens, of Madison, Wisconsin, Charles (Linda) Slavens, of Madison, Wisconsin, Michael Slavens, of Plover, Wisconsin, five grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.  She is further survived by her sisters; B.J. (Richard) Orseno. of New Lenox, Illinois, Carol (Ron) Davis of Gurley, Alabama,  Ruth (James) Wortham, of St. Petersburg, Florida, Mary Ann (Charles) Wright, of Havana, Florida, many relatives, friends, and millions of Cub fans who are still waiting.    Services for Helen I. Slavens will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY, 900 University Avenue Bay Drive.  Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Susan. G. Komen Foundation.