OXFORD – Helen M. Broek, 93, passed away peacefully Friday, March 5, 2010 at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford.
Born in Paterson, N.J. on June 20, 1916, Helen was the daughter of Peter and Helen (Luther) Schalt. She attended Paterson schools and then began working at Western Electric in the defense industry during World War II. After the war, she was self-employed as a seamstress for much of her life, retiring in 1963.
In 1936, Helen married Rutger Broek in Paterson, N.J. They subsequently moved to Franklin Lakes, N.J. where they raised their children. In 1965 they retired to Florida, traveling in the summers to their home in St. Albans, Maine. He passed away in 1992.
Helen is survived by her daughter Jeanne (Lyle) Cline of Oxford, and daughter-in-law Deborah (Gary) Johnson of Renton, Wash. Also surviving are her grandchildren Denise (Bryant) LaTourette, Richard DeJong, Dale (Gary) Kurtz, Michael (Laura) Broek and Christina (David) Quekett. Ten great-grandchildren also survive. Her sons, Peter and Robert Broek, predeceased her.
Everyone knew “Grandma’ for her needlework, especially her cross-stitch portraits.  She also enjoyed ceramics, painting, and was an avid reader.  She was especially fond of sitting on the dock and fishing.  Grandma had little, but gave a lot.
Contributions may be made in remembrance of Helen to the New York State Veterans’ Home Residents’ Fund, 4207 State Highway 220, Oxford, or the charity of your choice.
Helen’s family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford for the nurturing and compassionate care she received while a resident there.
At Helen’s request, there will be no formal services.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Behe Funeral Home.