Obituary of Helen K. Dyke

Helen Katherine Dyke Beloved Wife, Mother & Grandmother South Plainfield - Helen Katherine (Garrison) Dyke, 86, died peacefully at home on Saturday, August 9, 2008 with her loving family by her side. She was born on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1922 in Jersey City where she grew up. She resided in Maplewood and Waretown before settling in South Plainfield in 1952. Helen graduated from William Dickinson High School in the June Class of 1940. Shortly thereafter she took a position with William Rowe located in Newark. It was there in Newark that she met her future husband. On August 15, 1943, she married William Stanley Dyke of Maplewood. As a "war bride" she traveled around the country with her husband while he served in WWII. She lived in several states during this time including California, Kentucky and Tennessee. Later in life, Helen was an avid traveler. She visited the countries of China, Japan and Egypt as well as England and all of Europe. She had many detailed memories of her travels that she shared through her beautiful scrapbooks. Helen was a member of The Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church in Plainfield and was employed there as church secretary from the late 1960's through the early 1980's. She was a member of the church hand bell choir and Woman's Guild and various other church organizations and committees. Helen served on the Plainfield Area YWCA Board of Directors as secretary for many years as well. She was a member of The Suburban Woman's Club of South Plainfield as a young woman and enjoyed participating in the club's many activities. Her favorite times included Christmas and the fragrances of the season. She loved the snow during the winter, gardening during the spring and spending many summers at the family cottage in Ortley Beach. She cherished the company and companionship of her dogs (Tinkerbell, Cleo, Sam and Mabel). She also enjoyed writing poetry. Helen is predeceased by her parents Helen (Becker) and William J. Garrison, and her brothers William, Calvin and Arthur. Helen leaves behind her loving husband of 65 years, Bill, and children: Sharon Patricia Dyke and partner Barbara Hals of Lovettsville, VA, Robin Jil Dyke and husband Vinnie Stagnitto of South Plainfield, and Glenn Garrison Dyke and wife Debra of Brick Township. She will be deeply missed by her four cherished grandchildren: Rachel Elizabeth Deluca and her husband Todd, Logan Reid Dyke Stagnitto, Lark Arielle Dyke Stagnitto and Lauren Nicole Dyke, and by her adored triplet great-grandchildren: Ella Grace, Nicholas Vincent and Payton Elizabeth Deluca. In addition to her sister, Cecila Hnida who resides in Wisconsin, she also leaves behind special godchildren and favorite nieces and nephews. A memorial service reflecting on the life of Helen will be held in the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, a tax-deductible donation may be made in Helen's name to Haven Hospice, JFK Medical Center Foundation, 65 James Street, Edison, NJ 08817. (732) 632-1540