Helen Tomlin

Helen Louise "Lynne" Tomlin

January 31, 1953 - October 18, 2026

Helen Louise "Lynne" Tomlin (née Powell), 73, passed away peacefully at home on October 18, 2026, while holding the hand of her beloved daughter, Megan.

Born on January 31, 1953, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lynne made her home in Braddock, New Jersey, where she built a life centered around family, friendship, and the simple joys of being together. Above all else, Lynne cherished being a mother.

Lynne enjoyed a long and rewarding career in Human Resources with the Insurance Company of North America/CIGNA until her retirement in 2005. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she treasured the friendships she made along the way, many of which continued throughout her life.

Lynne found happiness in life's everyday pleasures. She loved spending time with family and friends, visiting her family's home in Sea Isle City, and keeping busy around her house and yard. A dedicated putterer, much like her father, she was always finding something to do or a little project to tackle. She took great pride in her home, loved the look and smell of a freshly cleaned room, and had a wonderful eye for decorating. An avid shopper with a flair for finding just the right thing, Lynne created a home that was both simple and elegant, but above all, welcoming.

Those fortunate enough to know Lynne will remember her quick wit, warm smile, and wonderful gift for conversation. She had a genuine interest in the lives of others and a rare ability to make everyone she met feel truly heard and valued. Whether catching up with an old friend or getting to know someone new, Lynne was never simply making conversation; she was genuinely interested in the person behind it. She was as wonderful a listener as she was a gabber, always ready to share a laugh, a story, or a thoughtful ear. Her friendships often spanned decades, a testament to the warmth, kindness, and sincere interest she took in the people around her.

Above all, Lynne treasured the people in her life and the memories they made together. She leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, cherished traditions, enduring friendships, and the kind of love that continues long after a goodbye.

Lynne is survived by her beloved daughter, Megan Tomlin; her sisters, Anne Jobson (the late Douglas), Patricia Powell (the late Ed Pew), Virginia Powell (Dale Jager), and Theresa Pino (Mark); her brother, Robert Powell (Ann); and her sister-in-law, Suzanne Cattell. She is also lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Michael and Anne Marie (née Felix) Powell; her brothers, Joseph Powell (survived by Suzanne Cael) and Francis Powell (the late Nancy); and her brothers-in-law, Douglas Jobson and Ed Pew.

Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Lynne's life on Saturday, January 30, 2027, at St. Simon Stock Church, 178 W. White Horse Pike, Berlin, NJ 08009. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lynne's honor to Breakthrough T1D, an organization dedicated to type 1 diabetes research and advocacy, at https://www.breakthrought1d.org.