Catherine (Irene) O’Neill Helms, 84, of Leisure Village West, Manchester Twp., passed away at home on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Born in Paisley, Scotland, Irene came to the United States to Quincy, MA in 1948, later making her homes in Kearny, Jackson Twp., and most recently Manchester Twp. since 2018.
Irene dedicated many years of her career to Dr. Anthony Navilio in Manahawkin before her retirement in 2011. Throughout the years, Irene had many homes which she enjoyed decorating. She cherished time spent playing bunko at the Scots American Club of Kearny and with her dear friends in Manahawkin. Her close bonds with her siblings and deep devotion to her family were central to her life.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Russell, son Donald, grandson Eric, daughter-in-law Catherine, and sister Elizabeth (Betty) Regan. Irene is survived by her son Robert (Bobby) Helms and his fiancée, Puricelly, of Clifton; daughter Coleen Atkinson of Toms River; brother Hugh O’Neill of West Orange; sisters Eleanor Mayers of Brick and Denise O’Neill of Point Pleasant; five grandchildren, Bobby Helms, Samantha Atkinson (who lovingly cared for her grandmother, along with her Mom), James Helms, Matthew Helms, Danielle Helms, five great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.
A memorial gathering will be held from 1 pm to 3 pm on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, with a religious service at 2:30 pm at DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home, 119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst.
Irene will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her. May she Rest in Peace.
Irene was a beautiful lady and will be missed by all!
Condolences to the entire family.
Irene was a wonderful, kind and generous woman. My cousin but more importantly my friend. I will definitely miss her. May she rest in peace.
Irene (Irenie beanie as we called her) was a beautiful woman inside and out. She started out as my husband’s receptionist, but became a fast friend, but much more like family to us. From playing bunco together, to birthday celebrations, and multiple Halloween parties. So many laughs and beautiful memories. We love you, sat hi to Russ for us. Rest in peace beautiful.
Irene was such a lovely lady and will missed by deeply missed by all .
Irene was a wonderful person, always smiling and making jokes. Rest easy hope your reunited with all your family members, Xo 🙏🙏
So sorry for the loss of a wonderful woman. Me and Frank send our love and condolences.
Dear Coleen & Bobby – we are so sorry for your loss. Your Mom (and Dad) were so helpful to us for so many years. We have so many wonderful memories with your family. Please accept our deep condolences. We will remember her boundless energy, her endless remodeling and most of all, her smile and her laughter.
Sending sympathy wishes to Colleen and Bobby and all extended family too.
The best friend to my mom and the best Godmother of ALL TIME to me. She was just so warm and caring and then funny as all heck! The best! Our Roots, our Irene. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS! OUR LAUGHING,LOVING GIRL! God Bless and never leave us. BEST AUNT AND ABOVE ALL GODMOTHER!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU