Helen Louraine Petersen, 74, of Newark, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at her residence surrounded by family. She was born May 5, 1947, in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Wesley John and Shirley Swadinsky Wainwright. On July 19, 1965, in Peoria, Illinois, Helen married Robert Loren Petersen and to this union two children were born. She was raised in Peoria and attended school there before moving to Newark, Missouri in 1991 to make her home. She attended the Newark Christian Church, served on the Womens Auxilary Fire Department and the Newark Town Board. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, attending yard sales, but most of all she cared for kids in the community and those whose health had failed them near the end of their lives. Helen is survived by her husband, Robert "Bob" Petersen of Newark, Missouri; a son, Kelly Petersen and a daughter, Leslie Irons Petersen both of Peoria, Illinois; a brother, David Wainwright of Monroe City, Missouri; a sister, Joy and Ray Benja of Peoria, Illinois; seven grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; three sisters of the heart, Meg Glover of Newark, Missouri, Nan Venegonia of Quincy, Illinois, and Julie Curry of Des Moines, Iowa; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Wesley and Shirley Wainwright; two brothers, Michael Thomas Wainwright and Wesley John Wainwright; and a sister, Shelia Wainwright. Helen's wishes were to be cremated and no services at this time, but please reach out to her family to share memories. Doss Funeral Home of Edina, Missouri is assisting the family.