Obituary of Helen M. Doyle

Obituary for Helen Margaret Doyle (6/4/29 – 4/4/23)

Helen Margaret (Murphy) Doyle, 93, of Randolph, NJ, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. Born in Queens, NY, on June 4, 1929, she was the daughter of the late William and Lucy Murphy. Helen was raised in Brooklyn, NY, along with her six siblings, and she graduated from Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School in 1947. After marrying John Francis Doyle in 1950, they moved to Hazlet, NJ, where they raised their family. For a short time Helen worked at the Town and Country Diner. However, a workplace injury became the impetus for her to go back to school. She later took a position as a unit secretary at Riverview Hospital, Red Bank, NJ, where she worked for 20 years until her retirement. She moved to Morris Plains, NJ, after her husband’s death to be closer to family.  

Helen was predeceased by her husband, John Francis Doyle, daughters Kathleen and Jean, grandson Aidan, brothers Charles, Dennis and Christopher, and son-in-law Hugh Smith. She is survived by her sisters Ann Moore, Lucy Jensen (Herb) and Mary Hubbard (Mike); her children Patricia Hayden (John), Mary Lou Harrold (Mike), John Doyle (Peggy), Michael Doyle (Katherine), Helen Smith, Anne Doyle and William Doyle. Additionally, she is survived by twelve loving grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Helen was a quick wit with a heartfelt laugh. She had a warm and generous spirit and lived out her faith in her commitments to others. Following her retirement, she volunteered at Morristown Memorial Hospital and at Morris View Nursing Home. She also  enjoyed many outings with the Red Hats, as well as the occasional trip to Atlantic City.

Travel was always a highlight. Helen and her husband enjoyed visiting California to see their daughter Mary Lou and other family on the west coast. Helen also travelled to Ireland with her daughter, Anne, reconnecting with her family’s roots and having a pint or two of the Murphy family’s preferred stout. Helen relished long summer days at the Jersey Shore on Long Beach Island, with required stops for New England clam chowder and fudge from The Country Kettle. No gift shop could remain unvisited.

Helen was an avid reader and cook. She never met a cookbook she couldn’t add to her collection. Her family recipes for Irish Soda Bread and for rice pudding have been passed through several generations and are now treasured keepsakes. But the recipe of enduring family debate remains Helen’s combination of Pot Roast and Baked Spaghetti. (Try it — you won’t be sorry.)

Mom never mastered the art of the “Irish Goodbye.” Her presence will always be felt, and she will remain in our hearts forever.

A viewing will be held from 6-8 pm on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains, NJ. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, April 12 at 10 am at St. Virgil’s R.C. Church, 250 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains, NJ. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Helen’s name to: The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey Foundation (VNA), 175 South Street, Morristown NJ 07960, or (http://www.vnannj.org/donate.html); or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org/).