Obituary for Helen Garvey

Helen S. Garvey (94) of West Orange, NJ, died on September 8, 2013 at Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Reinbeck, IA. She was surrounded by her family, and left behind a legacy of caring for three generations of family and countless friends. Helen will be sadly missed by her entire family. This includes her three children - Virginia "Ginny" Poppen (Gary) of Reinbeck, Ruth Garvey Fleshman (James) of Houston, TX, and Robert John Garvey (Linda) of Hampton, NJ; 6 grandchildren, David Poppen (Kami), Daniel Poppen (Lana), and Laura Poppen Groeneweg (Jonathan), Ryan Garvey, Kevin Garvey, and Michael Garvey; and 5 great grandchildren Olivia Poppen, Alexandra Poppen, Isabella Poppen, Samuel Poppen and Levi Groeneweg. She also leaves her brother Raymond Smalling, Sr. and many nieces and nephews. Helen is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Robert John Garvey; her parents, Martha Marie Smalling (nee Hoffmann) and Raymond Percy Smalling; brothers, Walter Smalling, Sr. (Jeannette), and Edward Smalling (Beverly). Helen was born in Newark January 2, 1919. She graduated from Barringer High in 1936. Robert and Helen were married in St. Barnabas Church in Newark on March 2, 1946 after his return from WWII. They lived in the West Orange house where Robert had been born and eventually died in 2006 at age 92. Helen and Bob''s marriage blended love of God, family and country. They were active members of Holy Trinity Church in West Orange. She was a member of the Daughters of America, VFW Ladies Auxiliary and active in the Thomas Kepp VFW Post. She and Bob coordinated the Voice of Democracy Scholarship. She was a docent with the Turtleback Zoo and a Girl Scout leader. Her "girls" have continued to keep in touch with her these many years. Swimming was her sport of choice, much of it done at Lake Shawnee. Helen worked for Prudential, Pal''s Cabin and Stanley Home Products before retiring from the law offices of John Taylor at Liberty Mutual Insurance. After her children graduated from college Helen began attending college herself. She was the oldest student in her class, graduating with honors. Helen took care of many people. She loved keeping up to date with all her children, grandchildren, friends and nieces and nephews. The Pillot Place house was the center of family gatherings for two generations. Her energy and enjoyment of life will be missed. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 10:00 AM from Holy Trinity Episcopal Church 315 Main Street West Orange, NJ 07052. Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery in Bloomfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Church.