Helen Dowling

Helen Dowling (nee Smartt) 96, of Keyport, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Arnold Walter Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Holmdel, New Jersey.  She was born on June 4, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey, where she grew up. Helen met and married the love of her life, Frank Dowling. They remained in Newark to start their family and later in life, they moved to Keyport, New Jersey. Frank and Helen were devoted members of the First United Methodist Church of Keansburg in Keansburg, New Jersey. Helen, who enjoyed singing, was a member of the church choir.  She also enjoyed spending time on her crafts, doing puzzles and was an avid reader and sports fan. 

She was predeceased by her beloved parents, William and Gertrude Smartt, her cherished husband, Frank Dowling, her caring son, Frank Dowling, her son-in-law, Kevin Bulmer, her brother, William Smartt and his wife Ethel Smartt. Helen is survived by her loving daughters, Diane Bulmer of Union Beach, New Jersey, Susan Sneath and her husband Stuart of Keansburg, New Jersey and her daughter-in-law, Randy Dowling; her siblings, Donald Smartt and his wife Diana, Carol and Doris; her doting grandchildren, Stephanie, Tara, Tatum, Kevin, Michael, Kerrie, Katie and Heather; and her adoring, great-grandchildren, Colin, Zachary, Ruby, Michael Jr., Delaney, Frankie, Emmy, Hope and Cameron.  She is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews. Helen was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt.  She will be greatly missed, always loved and never forgotten.  

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, August 14th, 2025, from 4;00 PM to 8:00 PM at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey, 07730.  A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 15, 2025, at First United Methodist Church of Keansburg, 21 Church Street, Keansburg, New Jersey 07734. Interment will follow at Saint Jospeh Cemetery, 360 Broadway, Keyport, New Jersey 07735. For more information, directions or to send condolences to the family, please visit,  www.shorepoint.com.   

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