Helen Zahm-Honaker
November 25, 1933 – November 1, 2024
Helen Zahm Honaker, born on November 25, 1933, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Clifford and Emiline Thompson on a farm in southwest Greeley, Nebraska, where she spent her early years immersed in the values of hard work, faith, and family.
Helen graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Greeley and went on to become a teacher, dedicated to inspiring young minds in a one-room schoolhouse east of Greeley. On September 27, 1958, she married Leonard Zahm, and together they were blessed with seven children. Helen was widowed in 1984 but was blessed with love again when she married Jim Honaker on July 25, 1991. She and Jim shared nearly a decade together until his passing on October 22, 2000.
Helen will be remembered for her boundless kindness, faith-filled spirit, and dedication to her church and community. She was an active member of her parish, Holy Cross, where she volunteered in countless ways—serving in the Altar Society, Legion of Mary, funeral luncheons, perpetual adoration, and extending her compassion through service at the county hospital. Known for her love of holiday decorating, Helen’s home radiated warmth and joy during every season; it only took a drive by her house to see how much she loved celebrating the holidays.
She also found joy in dancing, was proud of her Irish heritage, and enjoyed trips to the casino, a pastime that brought her both fun and fellowship.
Helen was preceded in death by her first-born son, Leonard; husbands, Leonard and Jim; parents, Clifford and Emiline; brothers: Raphael “Whistle,” Harold “Lefty,” Jerome, John Francis “Frank,” Gerald “Fat,” and Bill “Mosby.” She is survived by her six children: Mike (Jean Zahm), Lori (Brian McMahon), Kathleen Larsen, Barb (Ken Efferding), Beth Zahm, and Cheryl (Chad Wallace); 27 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren.
Her family and friends will forever hold Helen’s memory in their hearts, grateful for her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Her legacy of love and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.
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VISITATION: Saturday, November 9, 2024, beginning at 9:30am, with ROSARY at 10:30am, followed by MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 11am, all at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4810 Woolworth Ave. Interment, Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Holy Cross Catholic Church.
To view live broadcasts of the Rosary and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
11 Comments
I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed running into your mom at various occasions like St Pat’s at the Barleycorn, weddings and funerals. God Bless her and all of you.
To The Zahm Family, I’m so sorry about Helen’s passing. She was one in a million. Her smile and laugh would light up a room. My folks (Frank & Ruth Ann Barrett) grew up in Greeley with Helen & Lenny in Greeley. They had so many great times with Helen. As a kid, She loved you as she would one of her own. So positive & so much energy. Helen loved people & fun. Amazing cook. Warm Regards, Tom Barrett
So sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. I will always remember her as a sweet and welcoming mom!❤️
My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Helen. I have many fond memories of Helen, Leonard and the kids. I lived a few houses to the west of the Zahm’s and babysat the kids often when Helen and Leonard went out on Friday or Saturday night after a week of hard work. I will always remember we were given an assignment at Mercy High School to interview married people on what they thought made a good marriage and I asked Helen. She told me to make sure you not only love the person you marry but that you really like them. That stuck with me and, thankfully, that’s exactly what I did. Thank you Helen. May your soul rest in peace and may the perpetual light shine upon you.
Very sad she will be missed
My heartfelt condolences to the whole family and the Holy Cross Community.
Wow the memories…
I owe her a debt of gratitude as an extremely influential woman in my formative years.
She was my Godmother and never made me feel judged or “less than” .
I thought of her often and regret that I never circled back to 48th street to say thanks.
Hugs to my second family from so many years ago.
Love guys. I won’t be able to make it back but will definitely celebrate that I got to have her an all of you in my life at all❤️
I have been part of the Zahm family for 48 years. Helen was one of the strongest people I know. Even though I was her daughter-in-law she was never afraid to say what she thought, but we had a very close relationship. I lost my mother too early, and Helen was the best mother-in-law I could have asked for. She always treated me like one of her own daughters. I have so many great stories I could tell. We always enjoyed each other’s company and great conversations and having a beer or two when we could. My life will be so different without her, but I am so thankful she was a part of it. She always said she had a blessed life but really, I was the one blessed with such a wonderful mother-in-law. Helen, may you be at peace now. We will be together again. All my love, your favorite daughter in law, Jean.
Helen was always consistently a good friend to all. We enjoyed her enthusiasm each year on St. Patrick’s Day and will miss her positive, genuine heart. Sincere sympathies to all.
You will be missed. I remember counting money.for church with you, Closters retreat center and stuffing parish envelopes but most of all always having a smile on your face. Love you
Sending my love and prayers to Kathy, Beth, and the whole Zahm-Honaker family. Heaven has gained an angel, and I know how much your mom will be missed.
Awe beautiful service by a truly amazing example of a life well lived:)
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