O’NEILL, HELEN MARIE

O’NEILL, HELEN MARIE (Nee McPHERSON), 96, of Cold Spring, NJ passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side. Born to the late Julia R. and John B. McPherson, May 3, 1917, in Cold Spring. She graduated from Cape May High School in 1934. She retired as Lower Township Municipal Clerk in 1980; the first woman to be elected to public office in Lower Township. She was an honorary member of the New Jersey Municipal Clerks Association. Helen was the oldest member with continuous years of membership at Cold Spring Presbyterian Church. She loved “Old Brick”. She served on its Board of Deacons and taught Sunday School for many years. Helen was a member of the Presbyterian Women’s Association, and a chairperson for communion preparation, and delivered flowers to patients in hospitals and nursing homes every Sunday for 33 years. Being of Mayflower descent, Helen was interested and involved in history. She was a member of the Cape May County Historical and Genealogical Society and the Chapter of Cape May Patriots DAR. She served her chapter as Chairperson of Friends of the Museum for many years. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Richard J. O’Neill, Jr. in 1980 and her daughter Katherine A. O’Neill in 2010. She is survived by her daughter, Joan E. O’Neill of Cold Spring and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Helen was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and loyal friend. She possessed a generous spirit by word and deed. Witness to the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday (Oct. 26th) at 11AM in the Cold Spring Presbyterian Church (“Old Brick”), 780 Seashore Rd., Lower Township where friends will be received from 10AM to 11AM. Interment will follow in the Cold Spring Presbyterian Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Cold Spring Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund (300TH Anniversary), 780 Seashore Rd., Cape May, NJ 08204 or to a charity of your choice. spilkerfuneralhome.com