Helen Pauline Bechtold died on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at the Reformed Church Home in Old Bridge. She was 88.
Born in Teaneck and raised in Cliffside Park; Helen lived in Edison for over 50 years, before moving in 2017to the Reformed Church Home in Old Bridge.
After graduating from High School, she attended the Berkeley School of Secretarial Training in Manhattan. She held a number of secretarial positions in Manhattan including with Japan International Christian University Foundation Inc as secretary and later office manager. She left the workforce to raise her two children and later became treasurer and business director for the New Jersey Dance Theatre Guild Inc. from 1972 to 1981.
Helen was in the Order of Rainbow for Girls from 1945 to 1952 and was a Past Worthy Advisor. In 1950, she became a member of Guiding Star Chapter Number 36 of the Order of the Eastern Star. She served five separate terms as Worth Matron; as Grand Representative to Washington State from 1958 to 1960; as Worthy District Deputy for District 2 from 1968 to 1969 and was Worthy Grand Chaplain from 2004 to 2005. She was also a Girl Scout leader 1970 to 1972; Charter member Central Jersey Chapter National Asthma Center and listed in the Who’s Who of American Women 1977-1978.
Predeceased by her husband, Charles L in 2012; Helen is survived by her children: Charles F Bechtold and his wife Belinda of Whippany; Linda Bechtold of Westfield and grandchildren: Emily Clauss, Christine Bechtold and Kevin Clauss.