Helen Gilson

Helen Gilson (nee DiGuilio) 95, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 17, 2022.  

Helen was one of 14 children from parents Guido and Adele who predeceased her.  

Helen was born in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania and subsequently moved to Jersey City when her father was transferred to the Hoboken branch of the Erie - Lackawanna Railroad.   She attended grammar school at St. John's Grammar School in Susquehanna and high school at Dickinson High School in Jersey City.

After high school she held several positions and ultimately was able to open and manage a beauty salon for many years on Palisade Avenue in Jersey City.  

Upon moving on from the beauty salon she worked until her retirement with children held temporarily in county custody.

She had many hobbies including cooking, with Italian specialties as her favorite. She was also an avid bowler and thoroughly enjoyed watching TV game shows.  

Helen was also a communicant for life at St. Nicholas Catholic Church where her Funeral Mass will be held.  

She was predeceased by her husband, John Gilson.  She was also predeceased by siblings Josie, Nancy, Susan, Viola, Sylvia, Patricia Anne, and brothers, Jack and Leo.  

She is survived by Thomas McDonough, daughter in law Sondra, her grandchildren Connor and Cara.

Also surviving are her siblings, Raymond, Hillary, Henry, Joanne, Madeline and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Helen is on Sunday, January 23, 2022, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at RIOTTO FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Company, 3205 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07306.  Funeral Mass will be on Monday, January 24, 2022, 11:00 AM at St. Nicholas Church, Jersey City.  Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.