Rose Kelton

Rose Helen Kelton, best known as “Helen,” went to her eternal rest on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, after suffering complications related to diabetes. Helen was born on September 10, 1932, to Rose and John McLaughlin, Irish immigrants, in Astoria, Queens, NY. She had one sister, Maureen Fino, now deceased. Helen grew up in Astoria, was educated by the Dominican sisters, and graduated public high school with a New York State Regents Diploma. As a young woman she worked in Manhattan for AT&T. In 1956, Helen married Charles John Kelton of Jersey City, and they moved to Somerset, where Helen resided till her death. In 1958, Helen and Charles began their family. The had five children: John Kelton of Califon, Eileen Shipley of Hackettstown, Kevin Kelton of Nyack, NY, Susan Kane of Mullica Hill, and Regina Meyer of Wall. She was deeply proud of her children and twelve grandchildren and would speak of them to anyone who would listen. Throughout her life, Helen participated in a number of activities. In 1975, Helen returned to work at AT&T, working as a Senior Correspondent and retiring in 1989. She was a long-time member of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in South Bound Brook, where she was active in the Rosary Altar Society and the choir. Her life-long love of music extended to participation in the Choir of the Diocese of Metuchen, the Swinging Singing Seniors of Somerset, and attending musical events. She was proud of her Irish heritage, belonged to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and delighted in her four trips “home” to visit County Leitrim. Among her other interests were traveling, reading, and being with family and friends. She will be missed by many who long to see her again in Paradise. Funeral services will be 8:15 A.M. Friday, December 13, at Hagan - Chamberlain Funeral Home, 225 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook, followed by a 9:00 A.M. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Church. Entombment will be at Resurrection Burial Park, Piscataway. Friends will be received at the funeral home 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Thursday. Memorial Contributions may be made to a charity of choice.