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Helen Keith Obituary



KEITH
Helen H., age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 10, 2016 at her Saddle Brook residence. Her loving husband, Bradford, predeceased her in 1991. She was the beloved mother of four children; daughter, Kathy (husband Richard) Hakkarinen of Centennial, Co; sons, William (wife Judi), of Old Tappan, NJ; John (wife, Rev. Cari) of Gardiner, NY; and Thomas (wife, Shari) of Phoenix, AZ. She had 11 wonderful grandchildren and loved them and their spouses greatly: Dr. David Hakkarinenm M.D., Dr. Douglas Hakkarinen; Dawn Keith, Laura Wanner, Sandra Kiel, Nancy Foster; Dr. Jessica Keith Wagner, Amy Keith Apweiler, Bradford Keith; Brewster Rolland-Keith and Huntington Keith. She also took great delight in her eleven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her cherished sister Virginia More, brother, Jonathan Huntington and parents, Ernest Kyle and Mary Alice Huntington. Helen was born at home in Rochester, NY. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in education in 1945. While at Michigan, she met her future husband Bradford, and married then Navy Lt. Bradford Keith in 1946. She resided in Saddle Brook, NJ for 64 years, where she was a home maker and girl scout leader for many years. Helen taught 4th grade in Prospect Park, NJ for 21 years. She traveled extensively around the world (six continents) with her husband and later with friends. She loved playing the piano, bridge and cribbage, watching sports (especially the Yankees and Michigan Wolverines), gardening, caring for her grandchildren and hosting family gatherings. Upon retiring, Helen was a volunteer member of the Hackensack Hospital Auxiliary Saddle Brook Branch for 30 years (president 13 years), and a volunteer income tax preparer for nine years. Above all, she loved her family- husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A private gravesite service will be held in May in Brewster, Cape Cod, MA. Memorial contributions in her name can be made to the Saddle Brook Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 93 Market St., Saddle Brook, NJ 07663. Arrangements are by Allwood Funeral Home, Clifton.
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Published by The Record/Herald News on Apr. 13, 2016.
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6 Entries

She was my fourth grade teacher back in 1983, what seems like a lifetime ago. While I'm sorry to hear of her passing, it's very comforting to know that she lived a long, full and active life! My condolences to the family.

Brian de Jong

April 22, 2016

Mrs. Keith was probably the most influential teacher I had. To this day, I see Goldfish Pretzels and I think of her. Our reward for getting 100 on our multiplication tests. We also made butter and was her last class to make handmade candles since it started a fire. She brought our lessons to life and made learning fun. May she rest in peace knowing all the young lives she touched.

Melissa Schmitt

April 17, 2016

Helen was my mom's long time best friend and also a great friend to our family. We shared many wonderful times with her and her family. I admire how helpful her family was for her --especially in the last few years. She will be greatly missed but we will treasure many fond memories.

Nancy Nowak

April 16, 2016

Our condolences to the Keith family. Helen had been a big part of our family's life growing up, actually I can't remember a time when she wasn't part of it. She was always there as my mother's best friend, I remember the camping trips and girl scouts. Lots of good memories to keep for always.

Connie & Bob (nowak) Brodeur

April 16, 2016

Heartfelt condolences and prayers on Helen's passing.

Russell Sinski

April 13, 2016

Heartfelt condolences to the loving and extensive Keith family members. It was a delight and pleasure to serve with Helen in the Saddle Brook branch of the HUMC Auxiliary. Will treasure the memory of her leadership, caring and friendship. Fran B. Moldow, Fair Lawn, NJ

April 13, 2016

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