Service Information
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service
Shalom Memorial Funeral Home
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Interment:
Private
Shiva Information
Shiva Information
Keller Residence
458 Niada Terrace
Highland Park, Il. 60035
Thursday 6:30 PM until 9:30 PM
Saturday 8:15 PM until 10:15 PM
Contributions
Anti-Defamation League
http://www.adl.org
or
US Holocaust Museum
http://www.ushmm.org
Obituary
Born in Mobile, Alabama, Helene was the eldest child of Lena and Benny Lips. She attended the University of Texas and earned both her Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Missouri, later continuing advanced coursework at institutions including Harvard and Northwestern. During her time in Texas, she met her beloved husband, Dr. Robert Keller, at a Hillel dinner in Austin. Together they built a life grounded in love, learning, and the enduring importance of family.
Helene dedicated her professional life to helping others with insight and empathy. She served as a social worker and counselor at Highland Park High School for 27 years, where she was admired by colleagues and generations of students alike. Following her retirement, she remained deeply involved in her community as a volunteer with the North Shore Senior Center, The Grand Times, and the Highland Park High School archives.
Helene will be remembered for her resilience, kindness, empathy and unwavering devotion to those around her. She was extraordinarily bright, yet profoundly humble, never seeking attention or praise. Her warmth, youthful spirit, sense of humor and intellectual curiosity endured through every season of her life. She brought wisdom, empathy, and vitality to her relationships, and her calming presence left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Robert Keller, with whom she shared over 27 joyful years of marriage. Devoted and loving mother of Steven Keller. Cherished grandmother of Joshua, Benjamin, and Lauren Keller and loving sister of Irwin Lips. Helene was also a treasured aunt, cousin, sister-in-law, and friend to many.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Niki and Angi for their loving care and dedication in Helene’s final years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anti-Defamation League (www.adl.org or the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (www.ushmm.org).
Chapel service Thursday, July 24, 2025, 10:00 AM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. For service details, a link to view the service online, shiva information, and to leave condolences, please visit www.shalommemorial.org or call (847) 255-3520.
Guest Book & Memories
Share your memories and photographs below.
July 30th, 2025
As a mentor, knowledgeable and caring friend at HPHS for 27 years in the Counseling Department and across the miles from Iowa in our retirement years, I have cherished Helene’s friendship. She was such a special, warm and gracious person. I miss her. Sandy
~Sandra Hoeg
~Friends at Highland Park High School and retirement, Decorah Iowa
July 24th, 2025
I met Helene in 1993 when we were both working at Highland Park High School, I as a counselor, and she as a social worker. She became one of my cherished mentors. Later, when I had to move, she decided to announce her retirement and we had numerous combined going away parties. We stayed in touch via phone calls and my fairly frequent visits back to Illinois. She was a font of wisdom and one of my biggest advocates. We cheered each other on during tough times and celebrated so many small successes over the years. Helene was an anchor in my life.
~Lori Delahunt
~Colleague/Friend, North Oaks, MN
July 24th, 2025
Helene would have advised me to go to my yoga class instead of watching her funeral livestream. But I’m so glad I didn’t because I needed to hear the accolades and tributes and memories expressed by her loved ones..
I met Helene at the University of Texas in Austin so our friendship began over 70 years ago.. Much of our friendship was by long distance where I learned of her special relationship with Bob, Steven, Josh, Ben, and Lauren. But I was privileged over about 20 years to meet her annually in Tucson at Canyon Ranch where we would be roommates and pick up exactly where we left off..laughing and sharing our stories. There I was able to see again and again Helene ‘s attributes, her wisdom, her strength, her insight and empathy. I agree with her family members that social work was the perfect career choice for her, as I watched her interact with other guests and staff of Canyon Ranch.
I will miss hearing her voice and enjoying her wisdom and wit. But I’m forever grateful to have shared such an enduring, loving relationship with someone who made the world a better place simply by being in it.
~Joan Katz
~Friend, Houston, Texas
July 24th, 2025
I have known Helene all my life, as we grew up together in Mobile, Alabama. She and I were a part of the “Mobile Girls”, six of us who got together annually for many years to renew our friendship. We always had a wonderful time together, and Helene never missed a trip.Helene attended many of my family “Simchas”, and it was always a joy just being around her.
I live in Birmingham, Alabama,, so Helene and I had many long distance calls over the years- we discussed everything from family to book reviews to politics. She was so wise.
I will miss my dear friend Helene, and I will remember her forever.! Marsha Asman
~Marsha Mutchnick Asman
~Friend, Birmingham, Alabama
July 24th, 2025
I really didn’t get to know her until I was an adult. She was so warm and friendly,. It made me feel like I had known her my whole life.
~Rae Jesano
~Cousin, Gainesville, Florida
Guest Book and Memories
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