Obituary of Helen K. Nassar

Helen K. Nassar died peacefully on June 4, 2014 at her daughter's home in Mendham Township. She was 70. Born in New York City, Helen lived in Long Beach, NY, Schroon Lake, NY, N. Miami Beach FL, Vernon, NJ and Queens, NY before moving to Clinton, NJ several years ago. She was a graduate of William Paterson University. Helen worked as a buyer in the corporate world for years until she discovered her love for the antique business, first owning and managing Nassar Furniture on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn, and then the Great Gatsby Antique Store in Lambertville, NJ. Most recently, she worked for the Hunterdon County Department of Human Services, where she loved her work and made a network of devoted friends. Throughout her life, Helen enjoyed being involved in community activities and seeking to bring about change. She was a co-founder of Temple Shalom in Franklin, NJ, she formed a North Jersey Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW), and she sat for many years on the Vernon Township Board of Education. Helen was an avid volunteer for many organizations, most recently donating her time with the Hunterdon County Board of Elections and the Hunterdon County Surrogate's Court. Helen was also a competitive tennis player, winning many titles and tournaments over the years. Helen was a wonderful and very loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal and caring friend. She was compassionate and giving, with a great sense of fun and humor. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by one son Steven Janel (Kimberly) of Hopewell, one daughter Hilary Kelly (Patrick) of Mendham, one brother Paul Kantrowich of Jericho, NY, one sister Wilma Chandler of Santa Cruz, CA and her grandchildren Jacob, Brooke, Jordan and Aaron Janel and Alex and Janie Kelly. She is also survived by her former husband Michael Janel (Roberta) and their daughter Lindsay Olsen. Helen is predeceased by her husband, Hane Nassar. The funeral service will be held Monday at 11am at the Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Rd., Mendham. Interment will follow at Mendham Hilltop Cemetery. www.baileyfuneral.com The family will receive visitation at the home of Hilary and Patrick Kelly at 6 Jane Terrace, Mendham on Monday and Tuesday, from 7-9pm, Shiva services at 7:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in support of the pancreatic cancer research of Dr. Robert Fine. You can make a gift by contacting Francine Castillo, Administrative Director, The Pancreas Center, Phone: 212-342-3677 or on-line: https://giving.columbia.edu/giveonline/?schoolstyle=57611