Obituary of Helen M. Crouse

Middlesex, NJ - Helen M. Crouse, 96, entered into eternal life on Monday, May 9, 2016 at her residence with her loving family at her side. Born in Elizabeth to her late parents Ludwig and Anna (Wrobel) Shurley, Helen grew up in Dunellen and graduated from Dunellen High School. She lived in Bremerton, Washington with her husband Fred, then they moved to Balboa, Panama with their eldest daughter Nancy, settling to Middlesex in the 1940's. As a homemaker, she enjoyed all her time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She had a love for vintage movies, musicals and classics and was a member of Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church. Helen is predeceased by her husband Frederick who died in 2011, her daughter Judith Marie in 1963 and by two brothers; Joseph and Stanley Shurley who passed away many years ago. Helen leaves behind her loving and devoted family all of Middlesex; daughters Nancy Emmons and her husband Ronald and Jacqueline Crouse who she lived with, grandchildren Jason F. and his wife Wendy and Christopher W. and his wife Karen, and great-grandchildren Victoria, Allison, Catherine, Courtney and soon to be baby boy Emmons. She will be deeply missed by her close friend Iro who helped the family out tremendously during Helen's illness. Saturday, May 14, 2016, family and friends are invited to gather at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church, 600 Harris Avenue, Middlesex, NJ 08846 for a 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial. Mausoleum entombment will follow in the Twleve Apostles Chapel of Resurrection Burial Park in Piscataway. In lieu of flowers, donations sent to Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter, 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 would be appreciated. The family of Helen would like everyone to know: "Thanks for being a great mom who always was there for us with so much love." Nancy and Ronny. "Dearest special and beloved mom in the world; I love you so much and not only were you my mom, you were my best friend. I will miss traveling with you over the years. Our parakeets Snowy and Yuri will miss you too." Love always, Jackie. "Despite having been a child of the great depression, and as a sister and a mother, a woman who endured unimaginable tragedy and difficulty in your life, you were able to set all that aside Gram, and leave us with this lasting impression; that you always had a smile for us, that you were always warm and selfless, that you never complained about anything and above all else, that we always had all of your support and your love. These are the things we will remember, the things that we will carry with us, and the things that we will pass on to our children because of you. May all of the Lords glory, mercy, peace, and grace be upon you now. You certainly deserve it." Love Jay and Chris "You welcomed each of us into the family with open arms and a big smile. Since then, we have shared so many wonderful memories. Well always remember the way you would play the piano, sing and enjoy every minute of your great grandchildren dancing around. You were the most kind hearted and caring grand and great-grandmother and you will be greatly missed. We know you will be watching over your great-grandchildren as they grow, even the baby boy on the way. Gram, we love you!" Love Wendy, Karen, Tori, Alli, Catherine, Courtney and baby Emmons. "To my best friend in this country, who I called sleeping beauty; I am sure you are up in Heaven; you once told me, "Iro, no one is perfect." But now, I want to tell everyone that you were perfect and I will miss you my friend." Love Iro.