Helen Pauletta Morse

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Helen Pauletta Morse, 71, of Harrisburg passed away at 11:05 a.m. Sunday, June 27, 2010, at her home.

She was born on May 30, 1939, in Ridgway to the late Harry and Lena (Koester) Drone. She was united in marriage to Phillip D. Morse on Aug. 27, 1960, and together they shared 49 years of marriage.

She was a retired professor at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. In August 1989, she earned her doctorate degree. She taught court reporting for many years and held offices in numerous state and national professional organizations. She was the recipient of many professional education awards including Teacher of the Year from Southern Illinois Business Education Association, Illinois Vocational Association Teacher of the Year for Illinois Business Education Association, and Distinguished Alumni of Southeastern Illinois College.

Pauletta was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and was very active in parish council, ladies auxiliary and trustee. She lived life to the fullest. She loved her family and friends. She enjoyed traveling, shopping and entertaining.

She is survived by her husband, Phillip Morse; three children, Amy Richey and husband Jim, Scott Morse and wife Barbara and Beth Gibbs and husband Mike; four grandchildren, Jacob Morse, Jessica Richey, Kayla Richey and Paxton Morse; five stepgrandchildren; two brothers, Bob Drone and wife Gini and John Drone and wife Cindy; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jim, Jake and Ben Drone; and a sister, Agnes Mitchell.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 1, 2010 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Harrisburg. Father Ignatius Okonkwo will officiate. Interment will be in Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, 2010, at Reed Funeral Chapel with the Rosary recited at 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary Catholic Church Building Fund of Helping Hands. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to the family through the Obituary Page at the Internet site www.reedfuneralchapel.com.