Helen Bruyn, age 86 of Terre Haute, Illinois, died at 5:25 a.m. Tuesday May 24, 2011 in the Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab Center in Stronghurst. She was born October 23, 1924 in Monmouth, Illinois, the daughter of Emmett and Ruth Crandall Peterson. On August 7, 1943, she married John E. Bruyn. He preceded her in death on March 15, 2006.

Mrs. Bruyn worked at the IRC Plant in Burlington for several years until its closing. She then worked as a CNA in LaHarpe Hospital, LaHarpe Nursing Home, and the Henderson County Health Department. She was a member of the Terre Haute United Methodist Church.

Survivors include one son - Rodger Bruyn of Tiskiwa, IL., one daughter - Jennifer (Robert) Painter of Lomax, IL., seven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, one brother- Lee Peterson of Clemens, NC., three sisters - Greta Ryner and Maxine Martin, both of Monmouth, IL., Lois (Ed) Appleby of Galesburg, IL., and one sister in law - Marilyn Peterson of Monmouth, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, one great grandson, two brothers and three sisters.

The funeral service for Mrs Bruyn will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday May 27, 2011 in the Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe with Rev. Diane Duncan officiating. Burial will be in the Terre Haute Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until time of services Friday at the funeral home. Memorials have been established for Hospice Compassus of Galesburg, Terre Haute United Methodist Church, and Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab