A private family graveside service will be held on Friday, April 17, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church Cemetery Mausoleum.

Due to the recent health concerns and the restrictions in accordance with limited gatherings, friends are asked to sign the on-line guest book.

Helen Rachal (Momma, Maw Maw, Sister, Nanny) passed peacefully at the age of 79 on April 13th, 2020 surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born and raised in Melrose, Louisiana, Helen moved to Chicago in her early twenties where she met her husband Edgar Rachal.

Helen is survived by her husband of 57 years, Edgar Rachal of Derry, LA; her daughters, Carolyn Denise Rachal Mazzola (Craig) of Fort Myers, FL, Wanda Rachal Brumble (Kip) of Hallsville, TX, Rhonda DiTuri of Bloomingdale, IL, and Billie Jo Rachal of Bloomingdale, IL; her son Eric Balthazar (Cheryl) of Bloomingdale, IL; her 15 grandchildren, Kyle Rachal, Ragen Monette, Morgan Thomas, Tyler Thomas, Paige Thomas, Erica Balthazar, Elisa Balthazar, Payton Thomas, Joshua Iannotti, Joey DiTuri, Mia DiTuri, Ethan Balthazar, Gianna Mazzola, Teddy Cappiello, Lenore Cappiello; and her siblings, Andrew Balthazar (Patricia), Dorothy Balthazar (Patrick), Fred Balthazar (Maggie), Bernard Balthazar (Angela), Lireda Balthazar, Leslie Balthazar (Cindy), Marie Jones (Pete), Josephine Roque (Clyde), Donald Balthazar (Melissa), Catherine Rachal (Henry); and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents, J.B. and Cecilia Balthazar, one son Ronald Rachal and two brothers Cleo and James Balthazar.

Helen was one of a kind. Our hearts are broken but at the same time we feel relieved that she is no longer battling the disease. Her journey was long, but she fought it only like Helen could. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She loved to shop, loved her jewelry and especially loved her shoes. She loved to laugh, and she never heard a song she could not dance to. Helen took pride in cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her family and her legacy will live on in all of us. Nothing made her happier than to have all of us piled together and in the end, that is exactly what she got. Thank you for being the greatest wife, sister, mother, and Maw Maw any of us could ask for. We will love you forever.