Obituary of Helen I. Ganges

Helen I. Ganges was born on November 29, 1932 to the late Trim Edward and Idella Austin in Palmyra, NJ. Helen was educated in the Palmyra Public School System and graduated from Palmyra High School in 1950 where she was a three sport athlete earning 10 letters during her athletic career at PHS. She competed in field hockey, basketball and was the only freshman in her class to be selected to play on the varsity softball team. She was an athlete of the first degree. After graduating from High School, she was employed by the Naval Aviation Supply Depot (NASD) in Philadelphia, PA for 20 years. Helen was then employed by Sears and Roebuck in Moorestown, NJ for 25 years. She was later then employed by Camden County OEO in Collingswood, NJ for 14 years. Helen married the late Charles Ganges on September 28, 1968 and was married for 44 years. From this union, they were blessed with two children: the late Jody Michelle and Charlene. She began her Christian journey at an early age at the Evergreen Baptist Church. Helen was a devoted mother for over 60 years. She served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Trustee Aids, member of the Board of Christian Education, Vice President of the Campbell’s Choir and in numerous other capacities at her beloved Evergreen Baptist Church. Most importantly, she was the Church Clerk for over 47 years. Affectionately known to all her “children” as Mimi, she was a woman of strong faith who adored her family. She was a loving, caring, warm hearted person who always took care of others. Her outgoing personality was infectious and her smile lit up the room. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. All who knew her, loved her and knew she had a special love for Nyia and her Philadelphia Eagles. Her infamous saying was “Love you More”. Helen was peacefully called home on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, James Austin and her husband, Charles Ganges. She leaves to cherish her precious memories, her daughters, Charlene Ganges, Hope Draper (Mark) and Wendy Ganges; her grandchildren: Nyia Lewis and Drew Draper; her sisters: Willa Austin-Witherspoon and Mary Holloway; niece: Kenya Witherspoon; three nephews: Kevin Holloway, Derek Holloway and Ali Witherspoon (Beth); special great niece: Kimora Williams; two sisters-in-law, Mary Hyler and Rhoda Ganges (John); special cousins: Laura Alston Dudley and A. Jeane Butler; special friends: Doris Connors, Marie Alexander, Diana Mims and Linda Robertson; special “adopted grandson” Youssouf Toure and a host of family and friends.