Helen T. Young, age 89, was called home to be with her Heavenly Father on December 28, 2024. She was born and raised in Darby, Pennsylvania, to Chester O. Barkes and Theresa (Boyland) Barkes. A proud graduate of Holy Child in Sharon Hill, PA in 1953, Helen’s life was defined by her unwavering faith and dedication to service.

Helen’s devotion to her Catholic faith led her to serve as a Bon Secours Sister in Marriottsville, Maryland, before becoming a Registered Nurse in Delaware and Pennsylvania. For over 30 years, she was an active member of Holy Rosary Church in Claymont, Delaware, where she volunteered well into her eighties. Many knew her as the “Pillar of the Church,” a testament to her lifelong dedication. Her faith extended to all areas of her life, creating a loving and strong family. Helen was a beloved matriarch who provided an abundance of love, wisdom, and guidance to her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was there for everyone, through the good times and the difficult moments, always extending a hand to those in need. Helen loved her family dearly and shared many moments of laughter, love, and fond memories. She also enjoyed the quieter moments, often found reading, crocheting, or watching her favorite television shows. Her home was always beautifully decorated for the holidays, and she especially loved supporting her Phillies and Eagles, providing commentary from her favorite chair.

She was predeceased by her husband, Tom, her sons, Timothy and Kevin Young, Sr., her nephew, Christopher Barkes, her brother, Raymond, sister-in-law, Dottie Barkes, and sister, Genevieve. Helen is also reunited with her parents and her best friend of over seventy years, Joan Wolf. Helen leaves behind her son, John (Linda) of Wildwood, NJ, her five grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Her spirit, love, and faith will remain with all who knew her.

A viewing will be held Friday, January 3, 2025, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703, from 10am until 11am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Burial will be private at a later date in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, DE.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Holy Rosary Church.

To offer condolences, please visit:

Gebhartfuneralhomes.com

302.798.7726