Eleanor Castle

Helen was surrounded by loved ones as she parted her life on earth. She went to be with the Lord on April 15, 2012, at the age of 76. Helen was a strong, vibrant woman, who was taken too soon by Alzheimer's disease. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Dr., Faribault. Helen will be taken to her homeland, to be buried with her family at Milltown Cemetery, Belfast, N. Ireland.  Please join us for a luncheon following the services. Memorial visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and on Friday for one hour prior to the services at the church. Helen was born to Edward and Elizabeth (McGrady) Burns on November 6, 1935 in Belfast, N. Ireland. She was known to most as Helen and to some as Granny. She was the second eldest of 14 children, all of whom were born and raised in Belfast. Helen was the only one of the 14 children who decided to reside in America. Her siblings live abroad from Ireland to Australia. Helen was as Irish as they come. She was an Irish dancer during her younger years, and enjoyed listening to her Irish music up until her passing. She worked as a seamstress making children's clothing until April of 1957, when she decided to come to America. Her first home away from home was in New York, where she became a nanny. She adored children. She came to Faribault for a family wedding, and felt she could call the small town home. Her first job here in town was at the Brunswick Hotel. Later, she worked at St. Lucas, Control Data, Cannon Engineering, Nerstrand Café (owner), and Genova. Helen retired from Genova after 30 dedicated years. Helen met Harvey Castle and married in 1961, they were later divorced. She lovingly raised four children. Helen loved to spend time with her family and friends. She tried to visit her family overseas as often as she could. She loved to go to Mass, play bingo, read, go for rides, and go on walks. Helen was a very loving, caring, independent woman, and will remain very special to all who knew her.   Helen is survived by four children, Herbert Castle (Christy) of Kenyon, Colleen (Larry) Schweisthal of Faribault, Reed (Alysia) Castle of Faribault, Dean Castle of Faribault; 9 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 7 sisters, 2 brothers and their families; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.   Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Paddy, Eddie, Sean, and Jim Burns all of Belfast, N. Ireland; brother-in-law, Billy Crossan of Belfast, N. Ireland; grandson, Cheyenne Castle of Faribault; and daughter-in-law, Naomi Blais of Faribault.