Helen A. (McKenna) Leyden

Helen Leyden (nee McKenna) age 98 of Williamstown departed this life on October 12, 2018.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 70 years John "Jack" Leyden, by her daughter Eileen Testa and by seven brothers and sisters. She is survived by her son-in-law Thomas Testa, by her nine children and their spouses Warren and Kathleen Benedetto, John and Cecilia Brennan, Philipp and Patricia Duvilla, John and Elaine Leyden, Timothy and Brenda Leyden, Michael and Geraldine Raber, Frank and Rosemary Munno, Douglas and Annemarie Shinn and Brian and Marie Leyden and by twenty-five grandchildren and twenty-five great grandchildren. She also is survived by many nieces and nephews who fondly called her Aunt Helen.

Born in Philadelphia, Helen resided in Williamstown for more than 65 years. She was a parishioner at St. Mary's Church / Our Lady of Peace Parish and a life-long member of the Catholic Daughters of America. Prior to the birth of her ten children she was employed at RCA in Camden. Later in life Helen worked as a cook and housekeeper at St. Mary's Church Rectory for many years. It is well known that she made the world's best potato salad and cheese pies. Helen had a sunny disposition and loved her faith, her family and having fun.  She good naturedly accepted the formation by her seven sons-in-law of the HAMS Club (Husbands Against Mother-in-Law). Helen's continuing wish to everyone is "Good night, good luck, God bless you."

Relatives and friends are invited for visitation at St. Mary's R.C. Church / Our Lady of Peace Parish, Main Street & Carroll Avenue, Williamstown, NJ on Friday October 19th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM and on Saturday October 20th from 9:00 – 10:00 AM.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 AM. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Williamstown.

Donations in memory of Helen may be made to Our Lady of Peace Parish, 32 Carroll Avenue, Williamstown, NJ 08094 or Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PO Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352.

Arrangements are under the direction of the BELL-HENNESSY FUNERAL HOME, Williamstown, NJ.

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