Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium - Hanover Street

243 Hanover Street

Manchester, New Hampshire

Helen Joseph Obituary

Helen Elaine (Egan) Joseph, 94, passed away on February 12th, 2026, at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, NH surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 10th, 1931, in New York City, Helen was the daughter of the late Thomas and Charlotte (Howe) Egan.

Helen was raised in Manchester, NH and was the wife of the late Joseph Joseph whom she met at Manchester Central High School. Joe and Helen were married on July 11th, 1954, and celebrated their marriage at the Manchester Country Club.

Following the untimely passing of her husband Joe in 1972, Helen's resilience as a young widow allowed her to successfully raise four children on her own, supported by her hard work as a housekeeper at a local Manchester hotel.

Known to her family as "Grammy" or "Gram," she loved her kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was known to write them little reminders, notes, and letters. She loved reading books and the newspaper and spent years knitting hats for newborns in local hospitals. She was frugal so there was always something for her to find at the dollar store. Proud of her Irish heritage, she was known to partake in drinking Jameson's whiskey. Strong-willed and honest, she followed politics, current events, and was not afraid to say it like it is. Prime rib, Chinese food, or spaghetti and meatballs followed by chocolate ice cream and a cup of coffee were favorites. She always enjoyed family gatherings and going next door to T-Bones for a nice lunch or dinner with family and friends.

Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph; her daughter, Nancy Gray; and her six siblings.

She is survived by her son Jay Joseph and his wife Cheryl of Bedford, Tim Joseph and his wife Patti of Nashua, Dave Joseph, and his fiancée Susan of Hampton.

Her legacy continues through her seven grandchildren: Jennifer Marani (Mike), Brendan Joseph (Paloma), Sara Gray, Kyle Joseph (Kristen), Sean Joseph (Limor), Jack Joseph (Judi), and Jessica Morrissey (John). She also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren and a large circle of extended family and friends.

The family will hold a private celebration of life later this spring in her honor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen's memory to Make-A-Wish https://wish.org/

Assisting with arrangements is Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Manchester. To view Helen's online tribute, send condolences to her family, or for more information, visit https://phaneuf.net

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Union Leader on Feb. 21, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Joseph

Not sure what to say?





Make a Donation
in Helen Joseph's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Helen Joseph

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium - Hanover Street

243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH 03104

How to support Helen's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Helen Joseph's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more