Helen Irene Willis

Helen Irene Willis, 98, of Oberlin, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026 under the care of Suncrest Hospice at the Welcome Nursing Home in Oberlin.  Born on August 26, 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Helen Irene and Marcellus H. Luck, Sr., Irene was a resident of Oberlin since 1970.  

Irene attended the public schools of Pittsburgh and graduated from Westinghouse High School in 1946. She received her nursing degree from the historic Lincoln School of Nursing in New York City in 1955 and served as a nurse first at the Montefiore Hospital and then at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Pittsburgh from 1955-1962. She was known for the extraordinary warmth of her care, her sense of humor, and her nurturing spirit. 

In 1957 she married the love of her life, Herbert Clark Willis, with whom she shared 57 wonderful years before his passing in 2014. Together, they raised two children, volunteered in the community, and found time for travel. Irene returned to work, this time as a teacher, at the Oberlin Head Start, from 1978 to 1992.  Irene was active in making quilts with her Sewing with Pleasure group for several years. Irene also enjoyed participating in her Bible Study group.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Pamela Bradford (Kevin) of Oberlin; her son, Andre Willis (Tricia) of Providence, RI; her beloved grandchildren, Ashley, Alexandria, Clark and Coleman; her brother Oliver W. Luck; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Herbie. 

Plans to honor her on her birthday, Aug. 26, 2026, will be announced in June. 

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