Helen Whalen

She is survived by her sister Alice Grant and predeceased by her brothers Gregory, Nicholas, William, and Charles Dobroslavich, and her sisters Clara Archibald, Frances Keil, and Grace Dobroslavich.

Loving Mother to Joseph (Cheryl) Whalen, Edward Jr. (Michele) Whalen, Kathleen (Peter) Whalen, the late Susan Whalen, Patricia (Robert) DiTocco, David (Karin) Whalen, and Brian Whalen.

Loving Grandmother to Christopher Whalen, Marc Giannotti, Heather Smith, Andrew Giannotti, Theresa DiTocco, David Whalen, Evan Whalen, Nicole Whalen, The late Matthew Whalen, Alicia Farfalla, KeeAuna Whalen, Tatiana Whalen, Wolfgang Whalen, Spencer Whalen, Katie Whalen, and Conner Whalen.

She is also survived by 22 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was raised on a farm in River Vale and attended Westwood High School, where she graduated in 1946. She met Edward Whalen the love of her life and they married in 1949. In 1952 they moved to Westwood where they raised their family and resided for the remainder of their lives. Helen was a loving Mother and homemaker until the late 60’s when she started working for Eastman Kodak in Fairlawn for 27 years and ended her career as Production Manager.

An avid lover of history, once retired, Helen volunteered for Westwood Heritage Society and the Park Ridge Historical Society where she served as a trustee.

Helen enjoyed her retirement travelling with her husband Ed across the country attending his WW II Army Air Corp’s reunions. She also served on committees organizing Westwood Alumni High School reunions. She co-authored and edited a book, History of River Vale, in 2010, and her most recent book, Did You Know? Stories and History of Our Hometown of Westwood, which is expected to be published in 2024.

Throughout her life, Helen lovingly made time for her community, ever-growing family, friends old and new, and traditions.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pascack Historical Society or Westwood Heritage.