Helen J. Filler

Helen J. Filler obituary, Florham Park, NJ

Helen J. Filler

Helen Filler Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 1, 2025.
Helen Filler, a longtime resident of Florham Park, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025 at the age of 99.

Born on September 13, 1925, in Elizabeth, NJ, Helen was the daughter of Lithuanian immigrants, Jacob and Petronella Jaunis. Raised during the hardships of the Great Depression, she developed a strong sense of responsibility early on and began working in her teenage years to help support her family. After graduating from high school, she began working as a secretary for Western Electric during World War II. A gifted touch typist, she was a proud member of the company's speed typing team.

After the war, she met her future husband, Robert, who had returned from service with the Navy in the Pacific theater. They married in 1951 and settled in Florham Park in 1957, where they raised four children and remained for the rest of their lives. They were long-time members of Holy Family Parish and established many lifelong friendships in the community and beyond.

The family enjoyed travelling the country on camping vacations including cherished annual trips to Montauk, Long Island, which became Helen's favorite destination, where she returned to each summer for many decades. Once her children were older, she resumed her career as an executive secretary at AT&T, the successor to her previous employer. After retiring, Helen and Robert enjoyed spending winters in Saint Augustine, FL, and they traveled extensively with the AT&T Pioneers. They also remained active in the Florham Park Senior Center, where they enjoyed the company of friends and neighbors.

Helen was an avid reader and skilled card player, excelling at bridge and frequently earning first-place prizing in local competitions. She loved cooking and entertaining and was always eager to explore new crafts and hobbies including quilting, cake decorating, and ceramics. Remarkably, she remained physically active until the age of 99.

Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert, following 62 years of marriage. She is survived by her son Robert and wife Barbara of Richmond, VA; son Larry and wife Anne of Windham, NH; son David of Florham Park; and daughter Joanne and husband Christopher of Randolph, NJ. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Helen lived a long and beautiful life surrounded by love. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and resilience will continue to live on through all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Florham Park Memorial First Aid Squad, 60 Felch Road, Florham Park NJ 07932.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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