Helen (John) Mekita

Helen Mekita, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Valley Hospital in Paramus.

Born on July 22, 1936, in New York City to Helen and James John, she built a life grounded in devotion to family, friendship, and simple everyday joys. She married her beloved husband, Peter Mekita, on October 15, 1955, and together they created a warm and welcoming home, settling in Ramsey in 1962.

Helen had a gift for appreciating life’s quieter pleasures. She found happiness in birdwatching, tending her patio garden, reading a good book, and traveling when she could. More than anything, her greatest joy came from her family. She cherished time with her daughters — Ruthann, Diane, Marianne, Denise, and Trisha — and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose visits never failed to brighten her days.

Helen dedicated more than twenty years of service to Ciba-Geigy Pharmaceuticals in Suffern, where she formed lasting friendships and took pride in her work. She was also a devoted member of the Women’s Club of Ramsey, contributing her time, energy, and warmth in many roles over the years.

Visitation will be held at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 4–8 p.m. A service celebrating Helen’s life will take place there on Wednesday, March 4, at 10 a.m., followed by interment at Maryrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ramsey Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 41 S. Island Avenue, Ramsey, NJ. 

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