Obituary of Helen T. von Glahn

Helen T. von Glahn, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2017, at Villa Claire Marie.  Her wry humor, intelligence, energy, and kindness shone brightly throughout her full life of 88 years. 

Born May 19, 1929. Daughter of Theodore Harms and Josephine Keating and raised in Flatbush, NY, Helen enjoyed a world that reached far beyond her Brooklyn upbringing.  She returned to the area in 1970, and lived in Franklin Lakes and North Haledon for nearly five decades.

Married in 1951 to Richard L. von Glahn, she and Dick raised four sons.  After working at secretarial positions for many organizations before and during her child-raising years, Helen went on to earn her bachelor’s degree at Ramapo College and a master’s degree from Drew University -- a testament to her curiosity and drive.  She later worked as an administrator for the international education program at Ramapo College.  In retirement Helen continued to pursue new adventures in her many travels abroad.

Helen is pre-deceased by her husband Dick and her sisters Jean Cohan and Nancy Utter. Survivors include her four sons and daughters-in-law -- Richard and Kayoko, Ted and Betty, Drew and Margery, and Keith and Caroline; 7 grand-children: Jennifer, Carrie, Brian, Piera, Allie, Cole, and Erika; and 1 great grand-child Ruby. 

Helen gave to the community in many ways, including as an active member of Most Blessed Sacrament for more than 40 years, and devoted much of her time to the Franklin Lakes Women’s Club and many other volunteer activities.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 10am at Most Blessed Sacrament RC Church, 787 Franklin Lakes Road, Franklin Lakes, NJ.  Interment to follow at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah.  In lieu of flowers donations to the Community Thrift Shop, 85 Godwin Ave. Midland Park, NJ 07432.    

Arrangements by the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481.