We celebrate the long and full life of Helen Lapinski (nee Starzec), born June 1, 1924 to Mary (nee Szado) and Isydor Starzec. A lifelong resident of Bayonne, Helen said "So long. Not goodbye” on January 10, 2020.
Affectionately called 'Mom-Mom' by her family, she loved her dogs, Molly and Mickey, and her cat, Mitsy. She was vibrant and philosophical- always trying to improve herself, wanting to know why and how. She followed politics, entertainment, history, news - and had an opinion about all of it! She even learned to drive at age 63 and remained tough, independent, and sharp up until her passing.
Mom-Mom was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and also a best friend, advocate, secret-sharer, caretaker, storyteller, and above all, her family's joy. She is deeply loved and missed.
Helen was pre-deceased by her husband Martin "Whitey" Lapinski and siblings Jean DeSantis, Joan Crotty, and Theodore Starzec.
Helen is survived by her beloved daughters, Carolyn Stancavish and Linda Holpp, her sons-in-law Joseph Stancavish and the late Richard Holpp, her grandson David Stancavish and wife Dawn, grandson Jason Holpp, granddaughter Alison Andrade and her husband Robert, and her beloved nieces and nephew, Elaine DeSantis, Laura Kelton, and Thomas Crotty. She was blessed to have known her great grandchildren Roan and Phoenix Stancavish.
"So long. Not goodbye.”
A viewing will take place Friday, January 17, at Fryczynski Funeral Home from 4-8pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 10am on Saturday, January 18, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Bayonne.
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