Obituary of Helen Janssen

Helen G. Janssen of Howell, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on June 6, 2013. She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond, in 1978, a son, Raymond, in 1986 and a daughter, Catherine in 2010. Helen was born in New York City on August 14, 1926 and graduated from The High School of Performing Arts in 1943. She lived in New York City before moving to Freehold, NJ and attended the Ann May School of Nursing (Jersey Shore Medical Center) and became a Registered Nurse in 1948. She resided in Freehold until moving to Howell with her husband, Raymond, in 1951 and hence the Janssen family of eight, 3 sons and 5 daughters and a myriad of pets in tow. In addition to Helen as a wonderful mother and mentor, she held a position as RN at the Montgomery Nursing Home in Freehold from 1979 - 1990. Following her retirement, she was a dedicated volunteer at the Howell Township Senior Citizens Center and continued to provide support and guidance for many individuals. Helen lived her life as a compassionate, independent, and hard working person and was consistently well read, versed, and the #1 avid reader of the New York Times and the New Yorker Magazine. Her literary genius was always aligned with the classical music on WQXR. Helen was a communicant of St. Catherine's of Sienna Roman Catholic Church, Farmingdale, NJ. Helen is survived by her son, Rob and his wife, Shelley of Haddonfield, daughter, Carol and husband, Doug of Wall, daughter, Eileen and husband, Pete of Easton, MD, daughter, Christine and husband, Paul of Matawan, son, David and wife, Christine of Wall, and daughter, Nadine and husband, Lou of Long Branch and 15 blessed and wonderful grandchildren. Helen is survived by her brother, Charles Gerdes and wife, Lise and family, St. Petersburg, Florida. Visitation will be at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, June 7, 2013 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends may gather at the funeral home on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 9:00 AM for the procession to St Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church, 31 Asbury Road, Farmingdale for her 10:00 AM Funeral Mass. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Helen's memory may be made to the Howell Senior Citizens Center, P.O. Box 580, Howell, NJ, 07731. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.