Helena Torlish Passes Away in Phillipsburg After Long Career

Helena Torlish, a longtime resident of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, passed away suddenly at her home on November 3, 2026, according to a report from Finegan Funeral Homes. She was 79 years old.

Born on February 1, 1947, in Augsburg, Germany, Torlish was the daughter of the late Iwan and Julia Bereza Demczuk. Her life spanned decades of service and family devotion, marked by a long career at Raritan Valley Community College, where she worked as a secretary until her retirement this past January.

A legacy of family and the “Purple Grandma”

Torlish was known within her family and community for her distinct personality and specific passions. Often referred to as the “Purple Grandma,” she held a deep affection for the color purple and found joy in quiet, engaging activities such as solving puzzles and playing word games. She was also an enthusiast of plants and frequently took trips to New York City accompanied by her family.

Her primary focus remained her grandchildren, whom she loved to spoil. She is survived by her seven children: Mindie Torlish of Alpha, NJ; Christopher Torlish of Glen Gardner, NJ; Michele Torlish of Raritan Boro, NJ; Brandie Yost of Clinton, NJ; Helena Cate of Hillsborough, NJ; Fred Torlucci of Glen Gardner, NJ; and Christina Torlish of Branchburg, NJ.

Her surviving family members also include her sister, Mary Werner, and her seven grandchildren: Steven, Elizabeth, Christopher, Jr., Brandon, Olivia, Carissa, and Mila. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Darja Daniella.

In lieu of traditional services, Torlish requested that those wishing to honor her memory do so through an act of kindness.