Helen Alice Kovell

Helen Alice Kovell, 101, passed away peacefully at home on May 24, 2024.

Helen was born in Throop, PA to the late Stanley and Apolina (Warzeha) Konsur. At the age of seven, they moved from a beautiful stained glass window house, built by her father, to a large farm in Gelatt, PA, on which was later named "Konsur Road." Helen grew up experiencing farm life during the Depression with her parents and six siblings. She attended a one-room schoolhouse and graduated high school.

At the age of 18, Helen joined her sister Edna by moving to Newark, NJ. There, she worked as a nurse’s aide at Columbus Hospital and volunteered during World War II by providing care and comfort to the wounded. She then relocated to Edison, NJ, where she worked as a seamstress in Kearny, NJ at M&M Clothing, followed by Lockheed Electronics. At age 32, she attended a heritage dance, met the love of her life, Vincent John Kovell, a WWII veteran. They settled in Dunellen, NJ before moving to Branchburg, NJ in 1967 and together enjoyed the next 50 years there.

Helen was devoted to her family and spent many years as a homemaker raising her family, gardening, camping, and visiting her childhood farm that remains in the Konsur family. Eventually, she returned to work and retired six years later in 1985 from Lehn and Fink in Hillsborough, NJ. She was an active member of the Branchburg Senior Citizens and the Altar Rosary Society of the Church of the Holy Trinity. She was health conscious and attended the Branchburg Seniors exercise program for years. Helen cherished her grandchildren and had the benefit of living only two miles away, allowing her to spend ample time with them.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vincent Kovell; her dear son, Wayne Kovell; and her siblings, Josephine Konsur, Edna Dulina (George), Mary Merritt (Bill), John Konsur (Alice), Walter Konsur (Louise), and Stanley Konsur (Patricia). Helen will be deeply missed by her surviving family. Surviving are her loving daughter, Lorraine Casterline and husband Ken; her cherished grandchildren, Chrissy, Casey (Tommy), Patrick (Cara), and Jessica; great-grandchildren, Quinn, Fallon, and Cameron; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Arrangements are private. Helen will be remembered at a mass at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Bridgewater and St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Susquehanna, PA, followed by a burial at Lakeview Cemetery in Susquehanna, PA.

Those who wish to make a gift in her memory, may donate to Somerset County Meals on Wheels Program, P.O. Box 3000, Somerville NJ, 08807. Donate Here .