Helen Barbara Twigg

Helen Barbara DePew Twigg, loving wife and mother of three, passed away at age ninety-four on Thursday, September 15, 2022, just three weeks after her seventy-fourth wedding anniversary. Helen earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Wheaton College (Illinois, 1950) and taught in public and private schools in Illinois, California, South Dakota, and New Jersey. Over the years, she taught art, reading, elementary and middle school grades. Her reputation was one of dedication and caring as she influenced countless young lives.

Helen also served as an elder on the board, a Bible and Sunday School teacher and choir member in many churches as her husband moved the family to various places around the United States. In addition to teaching, Helen’s great passions were her faith in God, her family and her art. She was a gifted watercolorist who showed, sold and donated her art toward several causes. During her years living at Harrogate Retirement Community in Lakewood, NJ, Helen’s paintings graced the halls and blessed many residents who knew her primarily for her exceptional talent.

Known for her wisdom, intelligence, caring, and quiet strength, Helen is survived by the love of her life Clarence Edward Twigg, Jr., daughter Deborah Jacoby-Twigg (Mia), son David Twigg (Vivianne), grandchildren Lindsey and Jasper Twigg, Noah and Nathaniel Jacoby-Twigg, her sister Betty DePew Harrington and her sister-in-law Joanne DePew as well as many nieces and nephews. The last thing she said to her grandchildren after her final anniversary celebration was “remember your values.” Helen was predeceased by her son Timothy Twigg, parents Ruth and Ted DePew, her brothers Jim and Leonard DePew, her sister-in-law Pat DePew and brothers-in-law Patrick Harrington and Paul Twigg.

A service of witness to Christ’s resurrection will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1070 Hooper Avenue, Tom’s River, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, Helen’s request was for contributions to be made to the Freedom Fund of the First Presbyterian Church of Tom’s River.