Helen Gutzat Zaeh, 96, passed away peacefully in her daughter’s home in Chelsea, Michigan on Saturday, February 7, 2015.

Helen was born Anna Helen Gutzat in Jersey City on December 16, 1918. She grew up with her parents, Emma (Kerutt) and Frederick, immigrants from Germany, and brothers, Edward and Fred.

The siblings enjoyed Luther League at Zion Lutheran Church, Jersey City. Friendships formed in Luther League continued into adulthood with the Zioneers, and lasted for many decades. The siblings met their future spouses at Zion. Helen also taught Sunday School for many years at Zion.

Helen graduated from Snyder High School at the age of 16. She was employed at Ryerson Steel in Jersey City and rose to become executive secretary for the president .

Helen married her beloved Herbert Zaeh on June 27, 1942. They settled in New Providence in 1954. She became a homemaker and raised Jonathan, Douglas, and Nancy. Herb and Helen joined St. John’s Lutheran Church in Summit, where they remained active members for over 50 years. Throughout their lives, they were closely connected to loved one on both sides of their extended family. They hosted many gatherings including memorable Thanksgivings and enjoyed visiting family from near and far. They loved to travel, especially to Scotland. Herb passed away in 1999. Helen remained active with her good friends at St. John’s, especially the Sew and Sews until 2011, when she moved in with her daughter and family to Michigan.

Helen is survived by three children and their families: Jonathan A. Zaeh, Dr. Douglas H. Zaeh (Dr. Antoinette Costa), Nancy E. Zaeh Eckart (Dale Eckart); four granddaughters, Dr. Sandy Zaeh (Dr. Ira Leeds), Katie Zaeh, Kim Eckart and Sarah Eckart, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Religious Service will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 14th, 2015 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 587 Springfield Ave., Summit, NJ. Interment will follow at 12:00 PM at Bayview Cemetery, Jersey City, NJ.

Visitation will be Friday 5-9 PM. and Saturday 8 - 8:30 AM. at the Valley Memorial Funeral Home 1012 Valley Rd., Gillette, NJ and 9:15 - 9:45 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church Thanksgiving and Memorial Fund or Youth Mission Fund. For more information and online condolences visit www.valleymemorialfuneralhome.net.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen G Zaeh (Gutzat), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.