Helen Connolly, age 88, passed away on April 11, 2024, at Shady Lane Nursing Home in Clarksboro, NJ. She was born on August 8, 1935 in Queens, NY. She grew up in the Brooklyn, NY area, Helen was always known for her Brooklyn accent and sassy personality.

In the 1950's, Helen modeled and was a valued employee at White Castle restaurant where she often won the "silver dollar" award for her excellent customer service. In the 1966, Helen built a new home in Turnersville, NJ and moved there with her husband Rod and her two older children, their youngest daughter to be born the following year.

Helen worked at A.L. Hyde in Glenloch, NJ for 20 when she retired and opened her own cleaning service which she operated for 30 years. Helen donated her free time pet sitting and helping seniors, friends and loved ones with whatever they needed as well as babysitting her beloved grandchildren. Family was everything to her, she was always the first to step up when someone was in need.

She was predeceased by husband Roderick Thomson, a granddaughter Jennifer Clugh, her sisters Katherine, Mary, and Teresa, her bothers Mike and Walter, a niece Colleen
an a nephew Kevin.

She a loving mother to her daughters, Rachel Herman (Roy), Tracy Clugh (Steve), and Kim Thomson. Doting MeMom to grandchildren, Robyn Cleavenger (Colby), Katrina Clugh (Bill), Stephen Clugh Jr (Joyce), Roczanne Clugh (Teddy), Julia Harris, Logan Harris and to great grandchildren Chase, Leighla, Hazel, Gio, Atkins, Ollie, Jennifer. Beloved sister of Fred Connolly (Marie) and many nieces and nephews. Loving friends Mary Falco and Jane Thomas and her Fur babies Chloe and Baby.

Special thanks to Shady Lane Nursing Home and Caring Hospice Service for the loving care, companionship, spiritual guidance and comfort during Helen's stay.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her graveside service promptly at 2:45 pm on Tuesday April 16 at Hillcrest Cemetery Hurffville, NJ. There will a period of visitation from 2:30 pm until service time and again after the service till 3:30 pm. Arrangements by GARDNER FUNERAL HOME RUNNEMEDE, NJ.

In Lieu of flowers please donate your unused blankets and towels to the animals shelters or donate your adult clothes and/or time to nursing home residents who have no visitors.

Services