Helene Coyle

COYLE, Helene, of Medford and formerly of Delran, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. She was 75 years old.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late John P. and Helene (Hart) Coyle. Beloved mother of Frances Cone (Todd) and Rebecca Tone (Aaron Brown). Devoted and proud "Gramster" to William and Caroline Tone. Dearly loved sister of William Coyle, John Coyle, and Mary Ellen Balkey (Albert). Cherished aunt to Michael Balkey, Erik Balkey, Daniel Balkey, and Alison Simpson, and their families.

Helene was a graduate of Holy Cross High School in Delran, NJ, and Rutgers University in Camden, NJ. A lifelong hard worker, she waitressed for many years at the iconic Lucky 7 in Medford, NJ, while also running her own housecleaning business as she raised her children. After they were grown, she began a second career with the IRS, where she later retired, though she still found time to clean a house or two in her spare time. In retirement, she devoted time to volunteering with Literacy NJ, tutoring ESL.

Helene had a deep love for the outdoors and for living simply and fully. She lived for a time in a tiny "Hobbit House" and could often be found walking the trails in and around her home. She loved hiking, cross-country skiing, nature, and traveling. Over the years, she visited twelve National Parks across the country with friends, always returning home with stories of adventure, laughter, and the occasional lesson learned along the way.

Her positive, fun-loving spirit - often paired with a thoughtful dose of advice - will be deeply missed by all who loved her. Her favorite reminder was "less is more," a philosophy she lived by. And somehow, Thanksgiving will never quite be the same without her sweet potatoes, stuffing, and trivia game.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helene's memory to Literacy NJ (www.literacynj.org) in support of literacy and ESL education, Project HOME (www.projecthome.org), supporting housing for those experiencing homelessness, or to a charity of one's choice.