Helen French Foor, 99 of Ocean City, New Jersey, passed away on January 9th, 2026 in Wilmington, NC, while visiting family for the holidays.
She was a proud mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. Born in Prospect Park, PA on June 9, 1926, she and her family moved to Ocean City in 1934, when her father, Edward French founded French Real Estate.
As a young girl, Helen loved learning to sail her own boat in the back bay and swim in the North Point Lagoon. Helen graduated from Ocean City High School in 1944 and often remarked that most of the in-person graduates were all female, as many of the men were fighting in WW II. She received an associates degree from Rider University.
Helen met her future husband Archie, (Art) from Everett, Pa., in 1947, and they married on October 22, 1949. Within three years they had purchased their forever home on Stenton Place, where Helen happily resided for the rest of her days, deeply loving and cherishing the beach that was always just steps from her door. She was fondly and lovingly called the “Mayor of Stenton Place” by friends and neighbors, helping on trash days, always with a cheery hello and keeping watch over all as she walked her many fur babies over the years.
Helen was the president of the Ocean City Card Club for more than 20 years, and thoroughly enjoyed her bridge friends. She was an active member of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church for over 65 years, and enjoyed dancing, skiing, and learning to play duplicate bridge with her dear friend Larry Skey.
Helen is survived by her 5 sons; Archie (Marcia), Robert (Barbara), Jeffrey (Beth), Brian (Laura), and Andrew (Anita). She leaves behind her 15 grandchildren; Andrea, Pam, Laura, Rob, Julie, Ashley, Adam, Alison, Daniel, Andrew, Nicole, William, Elizabeth, Lilly and JJ., as well as 12 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her niece Donna Swan, as well as many nieces, nephews, and 4 sisters-in-law. She is predeceased by her husband Art, as well as her brother, Bob French, and sister, Dorothy Swan, and 5 sisters-in-law.
A memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Ocean City NJ on Saturday, May 2nd at 11am. Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Peter’s United Methodist Church.
