Helen F O'Connor

grandmother, and friend who passed away on November 14th at the age of ninety-six.

Helen was married to the love of her life, Edward R. O’Connor (a/k/a Mickey or Red), former

Irvington Police Captain, who predeceased her in 1997.

She was the mother of seven children and worked tirelessly to create a blended family with

love, dedication, and strong resolve. Helen is survived by her children, Barbara Saul

(Manfred), Wayne Pynckels (Carolyn), Robert Pynckels and Deborah Kuntz (Jerry). Her

children Suzanne Patak, Michael O’Connor and Timothy O’Connor predeceased her. She

leaves behind eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

She raised her family in Irvington, NJ working at Irvington Technical School as an

administrative assistant. Then in 1980 Helen and Mickey retired to Beach Haven West in

Manahawkin, NJ where they created many happy memories for their family and friends over

the years.

Helen was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish on Long Beach Island and made

many lifelong, dear friends. She also volunteered at Southern Ocean County Medical

Center. She was loved and respected by all her friends old and new.

In 2013 Helen moved to Fawn Lakes in Manahawkin where she lived until 2023 and then

relocated to Sunrise Assisted Living, Morris Plains, NJ which allowed her to be closer to her

family.

Services will be held January 7, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 4700 Long Beach Blvd,

Long Beach, NJ 08008. Visitation will begin at 11:30 AM with Mass at 12:30 PM.