Obituary of Helen L. Drygulski

Helen Drygulski (nee Szygulski) passed away peacefully on Nov. 24, 2008. She leaves behind her brother, Daniel Keesee; daughter, Janet Drygulski and son-in-law, Robert Lund; daughter, Barbara Wright, grandson, David J. Wright, and close family friend, Patricia Miller; as well as nieces and nephews around the U.S. She was predeceased by John, her loving husband of 67 years, an infant son, John Roman, her brothers, Edward and Henry Sealy, and her sister, Wanda Towle. Helen was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She was also proud of her 16 years of service as executive secretary in the nursing and pediatrics departments at St. Barnabas Medical Center and maintained friendships there long after her retirement in 1979. Prior to her career at St. Barnabas, she had also worked in accounting, insurance and retail sales. In her private life, Helen loved the Jersey shore, especially boating and sunbathing on the beach while listening to the gentle lap of the waves at Barnegat Bay. For decades, she and John shared a passion for ballroom dancing, studying with Pierre Dulaine, among others. Helen also enjoyed theater and Radio City Music Hall, and was an unfailing source of support for her grandson, David, as he pursued an acting career. In later life, Helen was an avid reader and enjoyed writing letters and biographical sketches. The family would like to thank the staff at Brighton Gardens of Florham Park and Care Alternatives Hospice for their compassion and care. In particular, they would like to acknowledge Icilda King, who served as Helen's aide and constant companion during the last month of her life. The viewing will take place Friday morning Nov. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at The Jacob Holle Funeral Home, 2122 Millburn Ave., Maplewood. A brief service will be held at 12 noon, followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be sent to the education fund of Care Alternatives Hospice, 70 Jackson Drive, Suite 200, Cranford, N.J. 07016.