Helen Heerey, 95, of Chicago, a social worker, teacher and union organizer, died Sunday, March 21, in Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park of a heart attack. Miss Heerey was born on the South Side of Chicago and attended St. Thomas the Apostle High School. She received a bachelor of arts degree from DePaul University in 1932. Miss Heerey then decided to pursue social work and received a degree from Loyola University of Chicago, according to her sister, Catherine Malin. Miss Heerey became part of the fledgling Chicago Welfare Department. During World War II she volunteered with the Selective Service System, helping young men sign up for the draft, and worked at area hospitals as a candy striper. She also helped start a local with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union, family and friends said. She also worked nights as a teacher at the Chicago Vocational High School. Upon her retirement in 1977 from the Illinois Department of Labor, she began doing work for area Catholic organizations. Miss Heerey lived with her sister in a home on the South Side for the last few years. “She was an opinionated woman who didn’t hesitate to speak her mind,” her sister said. In addition to her sister, Miss Heerey is survived by two nieces. Services have been held.
