Obituary of Helena Lavalette

Helena Lavalette passed away peacefully on September 1, 2018. She was 84 years old.

Born in The Hague, Netherlands to parents Karl Fredrick Mueller and Corie Debass, Helena grew up in a large family of 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Her first job was an executive assistant position for a Dutch banking organization where she met her future husband-to-be, Gudo. It was love at first sight. Helena and Gudo were married in 1955 and three years later, they decided to pursue the American dream, travelling by boat.  Once arriving in America, they settled in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where they raised their three boys, Guy, Gordon and Duane.   Helena held several positions over the years, working at night so that she could be home with her children during the day.  Helena finally retired in 2006, moving to Bedminster, where she remained for 15 years before moving to Berkeley Heights two years ago.

Helena will be remembered for her love of animals, especially dogs. She was a big supporter for People for Animals and participated in countless fundraisers to support the welfare of animals big and small.  Above all, Helena loved to spend time with her family.  The smell of Helena’s specialty - Dutch pancakes - filled the house on most weekends and was a favorite dish for her children and her grandchildren.

Helena is survived by her sons Guy (Piera), Gordon (Gail), and Duane (Jennifer), and her grandchildren, Nicholas, Daniel, Alyssa, Matthew, Jessica, and Christina Lavalette.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 6th, from 5-8 PM at the Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Road, Mendham. A funeral service will take place on Friday, September 7th, at 10 AM at the Bailey Funeral Home in Mendham. Donations in Helena's name can be made to People for Animals, 401 Hillside Avenue, Hillside New Jersey, 07205, or online at www.PFAonline.org.