Helen E. Thompson

Helen E. Thompson, of Wildwood, N.J., age 91, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on March 2, 2023, while visiting family in Florida. Born in the Cross Keys section of Washington Township, N.J, Helen was the daughter of the late Robert and Edith Carey. She spent her younger years on the family farm prior to moving to Mount Ephraim, where she grew up and attended school. She worked at Doc Latta's drug store where she met her husband of 42 years, Le Roy "Bucky" Thompson. Helen graduated from Audubon High School Class of 1949. Shortly after Graduation she and "Bucky" were married and continued to live in Mount Ephraim where they raised their 6 daughters.
She devoted her life to her family. She enjoyed their annual vacations in Wildwood and holiday celebrations, always making them extra special. The gatherings at her Mother's and sister Edith's homes were always so much fun.
In 1965, she ventured into waitressing at Green Valley Farms where she became a favorite of the customers for many years.
In her new role as "Gammy" she bestowed the same selfless love on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was always there for Plays, Recitals, Cheer and Ballgames.
She has been enjoying her trips to Ft. Myers Beach and Orlando with her family. She loved touring the countries in Epcot, sampling different cuisines and beverages. She loved to shop, spend a day at the casino with her sister Doris and friends, and to play Bingo. Helen was a lifelong Phillies follower and a huge Eagles fan.
Last but not least, she was very dedicated to her daily Scripture readings, prayers and Rosary. Don't call her at 7:30 AM!
Helen is survived by her sister Edith Souders and her six daughters: Sharon Mannella, Edith Jackson (App), Barbara Latini (Mike), Donna Kenney (Rich), Debbie Dougherty (Pat), and Helen Elliott (Tony).
Beloved grandmother of Joey Mannella (Evann), Danny Mannella (Jess), Keith Jackson (Justine), Kevin Jackson (Mary Julia), Michael Latini (Joy), Tony Latini (Ashley), Jacqueline Morson (Drew), Patrick Dougherty (Natsumi), Ryan Dougherty (Jen), Stephanie Curran (Steve), Jessica Hauck (Ed), Katrina Kind (Richard), Charles Guerro, Dan Giordano (Gina), and Alicia Grunewald (Jeremiah). Also survived by her 17 Great Grandchildren with one on the way, and many nieces and nephews.
Helen was predeceased by her brother Robert Carey Jr., sister Doris Dintino, and sons-in-law Joe Mannella and Loren Grunewald.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Monday, March 13, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 12:15 PM at The Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, Mullica Hill Parish Center, 17 Earlington Avenue, Mullica Hill, N.J. 08062 (856) 478-2294 followed by Mass of the Christian Burial at 12:30 PM. Interment will be at 3:15 PM at Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery, 109 Route 50, Mays Landing, N.J. 08330.
In lieu of Flowers, the family is requesting donations in Helen's memory be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org.