Plan for the Future
Helen Harchar Bryant of Chatham, NJ, age 80 years old, passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Douglas Bryant, two daughters Deborah DePeter and her husband Damien DePeter of Winchester, MA, Mallory Turner and her husband Tim Turner of New York, NY and her three grandchildren, Helen (Ellie), James and Livi DePeter of Winchester, MA. Helen was born in Omaha, NE and moved to Chatham, NJ, where she spent her childhood and later returned to raise her family. She graduated from Keane University with a teaching degree and taught second grade in Parsippany until she was whisked off to start a lifetime of adventure with her husband, Doug.
Helen was an active member of the Chatham United Methodist Church, where she served on many committees, helping to raise money and provide support for various charities. She was very passionate about giving back to her community and was active as a Girl Scout leader, in the Philanthropic Educational Organization, and TWIGS (Today’s Women In Generous Service). She also loved volunteering for Meals on Wheels for many years. Wherever Helen went, she was always willing to lend a hand, while exhibiting the utmost generosity and making endless friends along the way.
Helen lived a very full and beautiful life. Her adventures included 4 years living in Japan and 4 years in London, while traveling the world in between. She loved living overseas and had the most incredible stories to prove it. To say Helen was fun is an understatement! She and Doug continued a life of travel well after Doug retired. Helen especially enjoyed her annual family trip and annual “girl’s” trip, both to Mexico. She also enjoyed spending the summers at her home on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, NH, where she loved being surrounded by family and friends, enjoyed a good happy hour, and couldn’t get enough of seeing the local cruise line, the SS Mount Washington! Helen was not only spunky, but incredibly generous, exceptionally kind, and a friend to all.
