Helen Trentadue

Helen (Spage) Trentadue, 89, of Jacksonville, FL (formerly of Arlington Heights, IL), passed away peacefully on November 20, 2024. She was born on April 17, 1935, in Chicago, IL to the late Andrew & Blanche Spage. Helen attended Wright Junior College, following which she began working in the banking industry. 

In 1955, mutual friends introduced Helen to Vic Trentadue. They immediately hit it off and married two years later, following Vic’s discharge from the Air Force. They bought a house in Arlington Heights, where they lived for 40 years and raised their two children. 

Helen rejoined the workforce when the children were teenagers. Her first employment was in the Cash & Credit Office of Marshall Fields Department Store in Woodfield, IL. Over the ensuing years she was promoted to supervisor of the C&C Office at the Woodfield store and then to supervisor of the C&C Office for all 6 Marshall Fields stores in the greater Chicago area. She also was responsible for implementing the stores’ new computer system and for training store personnel in its use. She retired after more than 20 years with the company. 

Helen loved to dance, gather with friends and family, and entertain. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed hosting holiday parties for her family. She and Vic loved to travel: highlights include a safari in Africa, visiting tombs in Egypt, exploring Europe, and snorkeling in the Caribbean and off the Australian coast. She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. 

Helen is survived by her husband of 67 years, Victor Trentadue, Jacksonville, FL; son, Michael (Dayle) Trentadue; daughter, Christine (Matt) Smith; and four grandchildren, Jason Smith, Adam (Jackie) Smith, Kathryn Trentadue, and Hope Trentadue. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimers's Association of Central and North Florida.