Helen E. Merlo (nee Strouse) 86, of Hammonton, NJ passed away peacefully at Royal Suites Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center on Friday, April 23, 2021. Born in Rosedale she was a Graduate of HHS Class of 1953. Helen worked for Whitehall Laboratories for over 30 years, retiring in 1993. She enjoyed going to the casinos in her earlier years as well as having lunch with her high school classmates. But most of all, she loved every minute spent with her family. Helen was predeceased by her parents, Bill & Doris (nee Christopher) Strouse; her husband, Nicholas J. Merlo; her grandson, Lawrence J. Smith and her beloved dog, Maya. She is survived by her daughter, Marcia A. Smith and her husband Larry, her son, Nicholas J. Merlo, Jr.; her sister, Virginia Lanza (Joe); her grandchildren, Kyle Smith(Jesseca), Nicole Wentz; her great grandchildren, Haley Long (Albert), Brianna Smith, Mia Smith, Ethan Smith, Mackenzie Smith; her great great grandson, Frankie Long and Ava her grand dog. Helen's family would like to thank Dawn Scola for the care and comfort she provided our mother/grandmother over the past few months. Also, thanks to Harriett Medio and Royal Suites Healthcare & Rehabilitation , as well as Serenity Hospice for making Helen's transition a comfortable one. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm at the Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third St., Hammonton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, April 29, 2021, 10:00 am in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish, Church of St. Joseph's 226 French St., Hammonton. Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Helen's memory be made to The Sunshine Foundation, 101 Lakeshore Drive, Southampton, PA 18966. (www.carnesalefuneralhome.com)