Mary Catherine (Perucca) Helleny, age 72, of Herrin, Illinois, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Cathy was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Virginia and Leo Perucca, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Helleny, with whom she shared a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

Cathy dedicated more than 30 years of her life to serving her community as a teacher, quietly shaping generations of children with patience, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the importance of education. Teaching was more than a profession to her. It was a calling. She cared deeply for every child she taught, often giving far more of herself than was ever required, never seeking recognition for the impact she made.

Above all else, she was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her family was the center of her world, and she expressed her love through constant presence, gentle guidance, and selfless care. She had a rare gift for making people feel safe, supported, and deeply loved.

After retiring, Cathy and Jim divided their time between Herrin and St. Louis, choosing to be close to the people who mattered most to them—especially their children and grandchildren. These years were filled with family gatherings, quiet moments, and the simple joy of being together, which brought Cathy immense happiness.

She is survived by her four children: Joe Helleny (wife Nina), Katie McFarland (husband Scott), Peggy Snyder (husband Nick), and Ande Pourcillie (husband Ryan). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Madeline, Ian, Jack, Caroline, Allie, Lucas, James, Ellie, Joey, and Leo, each of whom was a source of great pride and joy.

Cathy is also survived by her siblings, Teresa Sheridan, Angie Madison (Loren), Gina Blaney (Jim), and Tony Perucca (Annie), along with many extended family members, former students, and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

She will be remembered for her quiet strength, boundless generosity, and lifelong commitment to caring for others. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she taught, the family she nurtured, and the love she gave so freely.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, January 12, 2026 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church/ 316 West Monroe/ Herrin, Illinois. 62948. Father Mark Reyling will officiate. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. The visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM, Monday, January 12, 2026 in the Gathering Room of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to McCluskie-Miller Funeral Home in Herrin.

En lieu of flowers (especially no aromatics or lilies); memorial donations are suggested to the Herrin Community Pantry or Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School/Futures Begin Here Campaign and will be accepted at the church or may be mailed to McCluskie-Miller Funeral Home/ 501 S. 12th/ Herrin, Illinois. 62948.

For more information please visit www.mccluskiemillerfh.com or call (618) 942-2020 .

Herrin Community Pantry
509 North 17th Street, Herrin IL 62948
Tel: 1-618-942-2080

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School/ New Beginnings Campaign
316 West Monroe, Herrin IL 62948
Tel: 1-618-942-3114