Obituary of Helen B. MacKenzie

Helen Elizabeth (Barattiero) MacKenzie passed away peacefully on September 24, 2020 at Morris View Healthcare Center in Morristown. She had shared 85 years of love, laughter, and wonderful memories with family and friends.

Born in Boonton to the late Francesco and Erminia Barattiero, she was one of five children raised in Parsippany. After graduating from Boonton High School, Class of 1953, she began her career at BASF Corporation in Parsippany. Helen retired as an Accountant in 1992 after 20 years of dedicated service. She married her soulmate, Donald A. MacKenzie, in 1957 and together they settled into the Cedar Lake section of Denville to raise their adored children. Once Donald & Helen retired, they relocated to Vermont; this is where they remained until Donald passed in 2005, which prompted Helen to return home to NJ to be closer to her family.

An avid bird watcher, Helen loved all birds. While in Vermont, she was a faithful volunteer of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science where she became a member of the Raptor Program. No matter where she was, Helen always remained very active. While in NJ, she was a volunteer at the Sussex County Court House – and she cherished every minute. Although we are saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved husband, Donald, her parents, and all of her siblings.

She leaves joyful memories to her loving children, Christine Luongo and her husband Richard, Karen Luke and her husband Richard, and Kenneth MacKenzie; her treasured grandchildren, Michelle, Allison, Richard, Emily, Samantha, and Connor; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Graveside Service will be held on Monday, September 28^th at 11 am at Denville Cemetery, Savage Road, Denville, NJ 07834. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Helen here to continue to celebrate the life she shared with us.