Helen Marie Longhi, née Robertson, left this earthly world to be with Jesus on Monday, May 13, 2019. She was born in West Hoboken, New Jersey on July 3, 1921. She was the daughter of Frederick and Annmarie.

Helen's greatest loves were her faith, family and her beloved late husband, Charles (Charlie). Helen was the proud mother of five children: Charles, Daniel (Joanne), Patrick, Lawrence (Marilyn) and Maryellen (Steve). She enjoyed her eight grandchildren: Melanie (Thomas), Daniel (Adrienne), Angela (Brad), Lana, Michael (Christine), Andrew, David and Lila. She was also the great grandmother of five: Wyatt, Avianna, Hannah, Claire, Callie and one on the way. Helen is predeceased by her parents, the love of her life, Charlie, and her son, Charles (Chuck).

Helen and Charlie fell in love before WWII. Charlie served bravely in the United States Army Air Corps. His base was located in Florence, South Carolina. Shortly before Charlie was deployed to the Pacific in 1943, Helen took a trip with her Aunt Mary to South Carolina so she and Charlie could marry.

She gave birth to Chuck while Charlie was away fighting in the Pacific. This brave, young woman, transitioned to motherhood easily. However, being stationed in the Pacific kept Charlie from meeting his son until Chuck was two years old. Once Charlie returned from WWII, they began building a wonderful life together which included having four more children. Helen was a working mom of five children and was the first woman to get a job in the department of Public Works in Union City, New Jersey where she worked as a receptionist.

The Longhi family moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1975. Helen got a job at the Duval County School Board for the cadre of teachers. She loved Florida's warm weather, being close to the beach, having a backyard pool year round and her Prince of Peace Catholic Church and Resurrection Catholic Church family. Helen and Charlie enjoyed traveling, family time, being grandparents, entertaining guests, and were award winning swing dancers. They could captivate any room when they began dancing. Even into their 60's, they could dominate any dance floor. They were soulmates who deeply loved one another for 47 years. After Charlie passed, Helen never called Charlie her "late husband," but always referred to him as her "husband" in present tense. Helen continued to love Charlie for the remainder of her life.

Helen was beautiful, witty, strong, loyal, energetic, family oriented, hilarious, meticulously dressed, an excellent cook and a devout Catholic. Up until her 90's, Helen was an avid traveler. She enjoyed going on cruises, visiting different countries, and experiencing various cultures. Helen loved the Lord and was a true prayer warrior. If you requested prayers, Helen would add you to her memorized daily prayer list.

Helen's passing was both joyous and beautiful.  Her family knows she went home to her Lord and Savior.  We love you and have been so blessed to have had you in our lives as a prayer warrior, friend, mentor, matriarch, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, May 18th at Resurrection Catholic Church, 3383 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, Florida.  Rev. Fr. Steven Zehler will be the celebrant. Visitation will take place Friday evening at the Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville.  Visitation will be from 6-8 with a rosary service beginning at 7:00.   Entombment will be in Arlington Park Cemetery.