Obituary of Helen King

Helen King, of the Villages in Howell, died on October 28, 2008 at age 91. She was born in New York City, in the borough of Manhattan. Although her time was divided between New York and New Jersey, she lived most of her life in New Jersey. She graduated from Matawan High School in 1933 and from Middlesex Junior College. She worked briefly as a nurse at Marlboro State Hospital, but the majority of her life was spent as a homemaker. Her husband, Joseph F. King Jr., died in 1987. They had been married for 47 years. Mrs. King is survived by her daughters, Diane King of Freehold, Pat King of Milwaukee, Wis., and a son, Joseph A. King of Lakewood. She is also survived by granddaughters JoAnn Wagner of Browns Mills, N.J. and Lorraine DePugh of Freehold. Additionally, she is survived by great-grandsons Tommy Wagner, Steve DePugh, Scott DePugh and great-granddaughter Katie Wagner, and by great-great-grandson Robbie Bozarth. She is also survived by niece Peggy Spreen of Freehold, nephew Robert Arcaro of Brooklyn and great-niece Susan Spreen of Phoenix, Arizona. Mrs. King also wished a fond farewell to cherished friends Peter Globis, Sandy Strande, Klara Kurowski, Diana Delvecchio King and Suzie Sprankle. Helen King was a long-time communicant of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Freehold. Her numerous activities for the church include membership in the Daughter’s of the King, the Altar Guild, St. Ann’s Guild and she was leader of the Girls Friendly Society for a number of years. However, her true satisfaction was in serving as Choir Mother. Helen had numerous interests and experiences. She was fascinated with astronomy, Egyptology and paleontology. She loved sparkly jewelry, mysteries and conversation. She was a baseball fan and was fortunate enough to have seen both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig play at Yankee Stadium. She witnessed the crash of the Hindenburg and saw Sputnik pass overhead in 1957. Helen’s generosity and activism was notable. She helped run the Summer Migrant Church School in Freehold, and was a loyal supporter of the Southern Christian Poverty Law Center, Common Cause and Oxfam. She was a voice for Civil Rights, taking part in marches and demonstrations. Her compassion and generosity were hallmarks of her character. Helen’s greatest joy, however, was her family, all of whom were deeply affected by her continual love and support. A private memorial service was held, but donations in Helen King’s memory made be made to any of the causes listed above.