Obituary of Helen Kwiatkowski

Helen “Billie” Kwiatkowski passed away in the comfort of her home in the Fox Hills section of Rockaway Township on Sunday, June 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She had shared 92 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and unforgettable memories with family and friends. 

Born and raised in Cork City, Ireland to the late Mary Ellen “Molly” (O’Brien) and Thomas O’Gorman, she was one of four daughters to bless their household. At the age of 13, she, her sisters and Mother relocated to Liverpool, England for a couple years before immigrating to the United States. They settled into the Bronx, NYC before finding their forever home in Denville, NJ in 1962. Billie was smart, witty, friendly, and kind. She married her first husband, Francis A. (Bob) Kwiatkowski and they started a beautiful family together. Unfortunately, Bob was taken too soon from this Earth in a tragic accident. The town of Denville built and dedicated the park on Parks Road, the Francis A. Kwiatkowski Memorial Park of Beacon Hill, after her first husband. Billie began working to support her family and eventually took a position at Automatic Switch Company in Florham Park in 1973. It was there that she was blessed to meet Leon Womer, who became her best friend and second husband. They were wed on March 30, 1984. Together they created a blended family in the Denville/Morris Plains area. Billie officially retired in 1989. 

Not only was she an amazing wife, an incredible mother, a doting grandmother, and a loyal friend, Billie was a proud Irish woman, and thoroughly enjoyed being from "Rebel Cork" in Ireland. Her family joked that she was professionally Irish. She was an honored member of the Irish American Association of North West Jersey in Wharton, NJ. She was also a devout Catholic with a deep commitment to her community, kind personality, and generous nature. That’s why it makes sense that she was friends with every Irish priest in Morris County and beyond! Her gift of gab extended to everyone she met. She had friends everywhere. She loved to read, especially cozy murder mysteries, listen to music and dance! The next time you listen to The Wolfe Tones, sing up to the Heavens for Billie, knowing that she is shining down, enjoying with you. 

Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her beloved husband, Bob Kwiatkowski; her precious children, Eileen Mabee, Robert Kwiatkowski, and Thomas Sean Kwiatkowski; and her sisters, Maureen Yago, Margaret Yago , and Kay Vaughn. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family; her treasured husband, Leon Womer; her adored daughter, Kathleen Kwiatkowski; her loving daughter-in-law, Jane Kwiatkowski; her step-children, Michael Womer and his wife Diane, Christine and Kenneth and their families; her cherished grandchildren, Jessica Kwiatkowski-Carroll and her husband Rob Carroll, Michael Kwiatkowski, Danielle Smith-Boldt and her husband Jesse Boldt, Mary Ellen Smith Riker and her husband Glenn Riker, Hailey Womer, and Shawn Womer; her dearest great-grandchildren, Luna Riker and Thomas Sean Carroll; her caring niece and nephews, John, Linda, Bill and their families; and many dear extended family and friends. 

Public Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25th from 4 – 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 27th at 11 am at St. Bernard RC Church, 22 St Bernard Road, Wharton, NJ 07885. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Billie’s memory to St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center Madison, 575 Woodland Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940, or by clicking here. Please leave a condolence, add a gesture, or share your favorite memory of Billie here to continue to celebrate her life and let her light shine.