Helen Marie (Vernachio) Gilligan, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at the age of 90.

Born in Carteret, she moved to the Avenel in 1953 with her husband, Richard J. Gilligan where she spent the remainder of her life. Mrs. Gilligan was employed with GAF Corporation in Linden many years ago.

She was a communicant of Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Avenel; and belonged to Golden Circle, Avenel Seniors with whom she enjoyed traveling the country, and the Ladies Auxiliary of Avenel Memorial Post 7164, VFW.

Mrs. Gilligan was predeceased by her husband, Richard J. Gilligan, in 1993; sister, Amelia Potts; and brothers, Salvatore, Alfred and Orlando Vernachio.

Surviving are her children, Janet Anness and her husband Ken of Westfield; Richard M. Gilligan and his wife Cathy of Milford; brother, Thomas Vernachio and his wife Irene of Carteret; grandchildren, Ryan Gilligan and his wife Kelly; Kerri Ponzio and her husband Josh; Richard Gilligan; Kaitlyn Porch and her husband Michael; and great granddaughter, Amelia Ponzio.

Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Costello-Koyen Funeral Home (costello-koyen.com), 399 Avenel Street, Avenel. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. from the funeral home. A Mass of Resurrection will follow at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Andrew Catholic Church, Avenel. Entombment will be in Saint Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org), 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in Helen's memory.