Helen Grace Kerns

Helen Grace Kerns found peace on Friday, September 4, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, generosity, and kindness.

Helen was born and raised in Philadelphia and graduated from William Penn High School, class of 1949. She married and had three beautiful sons. Her husband passed away suddenly at 38 years old, leaving Helen to raise her young boys herself with the help of her parents. She resided in Pennsauken from that time until 2011 when she moved to the Mews in Maple Shade. Helen lived at Mt. Holly Rehab and Healthcare Center for the last two years of her life.

She worked as a teacher’s aide at Central Elementary School for several years then as a CNA at Cinnaminson Manor. She was a dedicated worker and treated the residents with compassion and dignity. She genuinely enjoyed this job even though it was physically demanding. After retiring from the Manor, Helen worked as a companion and then volunteered two days a week at the Thrift Shop at Grace Episcopal Church in Merchantville until she was 93 years old.

Helen was one of the most caring, giving, and compassionate people that most people have ever met. She was the primary caregiver for her grandparents and parents. Practically her whole life had been dedicated to helping people. She had suffered tremendous loss in her life and maybe was part of the reason she was so kindhearted and appreciated the simple things in life.

She had a goofy sense of humor that was unique to Helen. She enjoyed making funny birthday cards for friends and family, kept a journal, listened to music, dancing, and reading, especially Nicholas Sparks. She loved most genres of music but Kenny Rogers was one of her favorites. Helen liked doing sudoku. She would write letters to people to let them know what a great time she had at a party, or for no particular reason at all but just to let them she was thinking about them. Helen loved spending time with her grandchildren and hearing about their journeys in life.

Helen is survived by her son, John (Veronica), cherished niece, Linda Hansbury-Smith, and brother, Ronald (Charlene). She is survived by her grandchildren, Stephen, Matthew, Randall, Christopher, Colin, McKenna, Conor, Chad, Delaney, and Aidan. Helen is predeceased by her husband, John, sons, Peter and Steven, brother, Peter and sister, Frances.

In lieu of flowers , please honor Helen with a donation of your choice.

Come celebrate 95 great years Saturday, September 26th 10:00 to 10:45 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Maple Shade where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Arrangements by Mark C. Tilghman Funeral Home, Maple Shade.