Helen M. Gaug

      Helen “Margie” (nee Barrett) Gaug, 86 of Saint James, New York passed away peacefully on the morning of September 25, 2023.  She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph Gaug.  Margie is survived by her five loving children, Patti (Ray), Barbara (Guy), Ellen, Buddy (Maureen) and Ken (Christine).  “Nana” is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Bobby, Casey, Cara, Molly, Joey, Paige, Katie, Megan, Chris, Tess, Anna and one great grandchild, Genevieve.

      Margie was born and raised in the Bronx.  She was the second of four children, after Marilyn and before brothers Mickey and Jack, born to Michael and Mary (Molly) Barrett.  Cousin Seamus Askin lived with them and was thought of as a brother.  She was very blessed to have a large and loving extended family. She was a proud graduate of Aquinas High School.

      Margie met her future husband Joe on Beach Avenue in Parkchester. She waited patiently for Joe to finish his military service in the United States Navy after which they married on a cold snowy day, January 18, 1958.  They started their life together in the Bronx, where the first two of their children were born.  In 1961 the family moved to Headline Road in Deer Park where the family became complete with the addition of three more children.  It was in Deer Park where she would make her closest life-long friends, the Frazitas and the Grecos.   In 1979 the family moved to Charlemagne Drive in Nesconset. This was Margie and Joe’s home for over forty years, where she hosted countless holidays and celebrations.  

      Early in her married life, Margie was a stay at home mom taking care of the children. As the older ones started college, Margie started working part time at A&S, then Macy’s department stores to help out. She continued this career for over twenty years.   

      Mom was diagnosed with a few health issues, but as long as she had her Joe she was fine.  With Dad’s unexpected passing in 2020, Mom’s health started to deteriorate quickly, especially her dementia.  It is hard to watch a parent decline in health, but Mom was blessed with a large supportive family and two wonderful aides, Barbara Davis and Zebeda Khan.   Our family is grateful to them both. Visitation will be on Thursday, September 28th from 3-7 at the St. James Funeral Home and her funeral Mass will be Friday, at 10:30 at Sts. Philip and James RC Church, Saint James.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer Research. 

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