Helen Stradl

Helen W. Stradl, 94, of Hillsborough, passed away on Sunday, June 20, 2021. She was born in Garfield and lived in Elmwood Park and Toms River for many years before settling in Hillsborough in 2020. Helen worked as a Supervisor for New Jersey Bell Telephone Company in Clifton for 35 years, retiring in 1980. She was a proud member of the Telephone Pioneers of America Association! Helen married her beloved husband, Clemens on June 21, 1947, at Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Wallington, and they were married for 49 years until he passed away on January 4, 1997. She was the devoted daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Radek) Wilk, loving sister of Irene Molitoris of Hillsborough, Emily Dabrowski of West Nyack, NY and the late John and Stanley Wilk. She will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as loving friends and caregivers at Mill Gardens, Milford Manor, and Brookdale of Hillsborough. Helen was a devout Catholic who lived a life of faith and service to others. She was a parishioner of St. Leo's R.C Church in Elmwood Park and St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Toms River. She spent many hours in prayer, offering petitions for special family members and friends in her life. She loved to pray the chaplets, the Stations of the Cross, and the Rosary. She often listened to and sang along with favorite hymns of devotion. Helen and her dear husband were caregivers for both of their aging mothers. They travelled together extensively to many countries and joined pilgrimages to Lourdes and the Vatican. Helen considered herself fortunate to be able to give generously, and supported family, friends, and charitable causes until the end of her earthly life. Helen felt it was important to look her best, and continued shopping for new clothes until her recent illness. She always felt better when her hair, makeup, and nails were done to her liking! Helen had a great sense of humor and loved to share jokes with those she loved. She enjoyed indulging in her favorite foods and sweets, always requesting the corner of the party cake! Helen was a great conversationalist and kept up with current events. She had an excellent memory and loved reminiscing about her childhood days growing up in Wallington. She was the family historian who could always recall the anecdotes that were important to the family. Helen remembered the dates of the many birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions of family and friends. She was eager to send cards and loving sentiments to those in her life. "We love you, and will always remember your caring heart, Aunt Helen!"

Helen Stradl

August 11, 1926 - June 20, 2021