Helena Torlish

Helena Torlish, 79, of Phillipsburg, NJ, passed away suddenly on November 3, 2026, at her home.

She was born on February 1, 1947, in Augsburg, Germany a daughter of the late Iwan and Julia Bereza Demczuk. Helena was a secretary at the Raritan Valley Community College for many years, retiring this past January.

She loved purple and was referred to as the “Purple Grandma”. She enjoyed doing puzzles, playing word games and taking trips to NYC with her family. She had a liking for plants. Her greatest joy was spending time and spoiling her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Darja Daniella.

Helena is survived by her loving children; Mindie Torlish, of Alpha, NJ, Christopher Torlish of Glen Gardner, NJ, Michele Torlish of Raritan Boro, NJ, Brandie Yost of Clinton, NJ, Helena Cate of Hillsborough, NJ, Fred Torlucci of Glen Gardner, NJ, and Christina Torlish of Branchburg, NJ. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Werner, along with her grandchildren, Steven, Elizabeth, Christopher, Jr., Brandon, Olivia, Carissa and Mila.

Helena requested that there be no services, and to cherish her memory with an act of kindness.