Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

July 17, 2026

Helen Irene Jacobson Vanderspool, 93, of Charlotte, N.C., passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, in her home at MerryWood Senior Living. A native of Chicago, Helen is survived by her son, Jan P. Vanderspool II (Nan); brother, Harold J. Jacobson Jr.; nieces and nephews, H. Cory McLeod (Anne-Marie), Lorna McLeod, Harold J. “Lucky” Jacobson III (Cathleen), and Kerry Jacobson; and great-nephew, Harold J. “Quad” Jacobson IV. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold John Jacobson Sr. and Irene Mary Jacobson (née Martens); sister, Marion L. McLeod; brother, James C. Jacobson, and partner, John Hendron of Framingham, Mass.

A graduate of Taft High School in Chicago, Helen enjoyed a lengthy career in the insurance industry, which included positions at Guarantee Trust Life Insurance, Northbrook Life and Allstate. She spoke often of the wonderful colleagues and managers whose friendships she valued above all else. 

In addition to her profession, Helen was a gifted artist, avid water skier and active cyclist, belonging to three bicycle clubs, including the Arlington Heights Bicycle Association. She visited many beautiful locations during group cycling trips, including the Wisconsin Dells and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. 

Helen also spent more than 20 years square dancing locally and throughout the U.S., attending several national conventions, including those in Anaheim, Calif., Kansas City, Mo., and Memphis, Tenn. She absolutely loved traveling and created many photo albums with detailed narratives of visits to the Holy Land, Arizona, numerous U.S. national parks and scenic destinations throughout the Midwest. Her memorable cruises included Alaska and the Panama Canal.

During her eight wonderful years at MerryWood, Helen found not only a new home but also cherished friendships. She was deeply grateful for the kindness, compassion and unwavering care of the entire staff and her beloved Visiting Angels caregivers. She continued honing her artistic skills through painting and crafts classes, and she rarely missed a musical performance — one of her greatest sources of joy.

A service and celebration of Helen’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Ill. This will be followed by interment at Memory Gardens Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation, Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the nonprofit of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.