Obituary of Helen F. Merclean

Helen Frances Merclean passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 6th. She shared 90 years of love and laughter with her family and friends. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 28, 2017 at 11 am at St. Joseph’s Parish, 8 West Main St. Mendham, NJ. Interment of ashes will follow at Hilltop Cemetery, 18 Hilltop Road, Mendham. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the good work of St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ. Born in Queens, NY, Helen was one of two children born to James and Daisy Burke. After her schooling she married and started a family of her own. She settled in Morristown where she resided for many years. Helen began her career later in life and worked for numerous local companies including Tom Thomas Insurance and JCP&L where she ended her career. She was an active participant in the Florham Park and New Vernon Garden Clubs acting as President of the Florham Park club for many years. She volunteered at the Carol Simon Cancer Center after retirement to welcome patients and made it her goal to bring a smile to their faces by sharing a kind word or humorous anecdote. She enjoyed gardening and cross-stitch, but above all she loved being with her family. Her children and grandchildren meant everything to her. Helen was truly one of a kind. She was known for arriving more than “fashionably late” to any event, and it never seemed to bother her. She had a unique fashion sense and will be fondly remembered for her style and dynamic presence by her family. Predeceased by her brother James Burke, sister-in-law Joan Burke and her son in law Luther LaRue; she leaves happy memories to her children Carole LaRue, David Merclean (Elizabeth), Mark Merclean (Louise), Kathy Ann Rockwell (Bruce), Nancy Marie Liptrot (James),; her grandchildren Jana, Meredith, Douglas, Katherine, Lauren, Andrew, Ryan, Jaclyn, Kelly, Kasey, Kristen, Taylor, Matthew, Timothy, Austin & Andrew; her great grandchildren Christopher, Kai, Honor, Levi, Luke, Caroline, Vera and Luke’s little sister on the way; her niece Barbara Ball and nephew Steven Burke; and many more dear relatives and caretakers.