Helen Giammattei

Helen Giammattei died peacefully at Maris Grove (Glen Mills, PA) with many family members visiting and helping her to the very end of her life. Helen was born in Newark, NJ in 1930, the daughter of Carl H. ILL and Jeannette ILL Ryker. She graduated from Miss Beard’s School (now Morristown Beard) in Newark, NJ in 1949 where she held leadership roles and played many sports.

She graduated from Bennett Jr. College and married Francis (Frank) Giammattei, Jr. in 1951. A transfer to Michigan moved the family to the Midwest for many busy and creative years. She and her husband were lifelong Episcopalians and their faith was a meaningful part of their lives. 

She was a homemaker, wrote several books and was an avid volunteer in her community and at the 3 churches they attended. Christ Church Cranbrook in Birmingham, MI, Christ Church Christiana Hundred in Wilmington, DE and St. Simon-by-the-Sea in Mantoloking, NJ. She was the head or president of many committees she was involved with. She also loved sailing and being on Barnegat Bay her entire life.

Helen is survived by her three children: Frank (Pres) (Lindy), Bruce (Amy) and Jane (Lance); ten WONDERFUL grandchildren and one great-grandson who were a very important part of her life. She knit, sewed and taught card games to everyone. 

A service of the Celebration of Helen’s life will be held at Christ Church Christiana Hundred, 505 E. Buck Road, Greenville, DE at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2018 with a reception afterward.

The family would like to thank Maris Grove (and especially Helen’s wonderful aides) and Willow Tree Hospice for making Helen’s last days as comfortable as possible. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to Christ Church Christiana Hundred, PO Box 3510, Wilmington, DE  19807, St. Simon-by-the-Sea or Willow Tree Hospice, 616 E. Cypress St., West Chester, PA