Helen Bodil Codella

February 8, 2019

Helen passed away on February 8, 2019 peacefully in her home. She was born in Jersey City, NJ , August 3, 1932 to Henry and Helga Graber. She would have been 87 today.

She was predeceased by her parents and her sister Ann Seletos from St Petersburg, FL and her husband Sam from No. Ft. Myers, FL and her first daughter Diane from Vero Beach, FL.

She is survived by her daughter Susan Codella of San Pedro, CA; her daughter Joanne Codella Salicetti of Boca Raton, FL; her son and Caregiver for the last 7 years Jeffrey Leonard Codella of No. Ft. Myers, FL; her son David Henry Codella and daughter-in-law Sue Wilber Codella of Southbury, CT. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren: Brian Deery of Torrence, CA; Brittany Codella of West Chester, PA; Lindsay Todd of Pocatello, ID, and Jack and Michael Codella of Southbury, CT.

Also surviving her brother-in-law Frank L. Codella of Venice, FL and nieces and nephews: in Florida Philip Bonds, James Bonds, Nickol and Nikolas Seletos. also NY/NJ Chris Codella, Amy Cramer, Louise Codella Shanley and Tom Codella

Helen graduated from Park Ridge High School, She served 3 years in the Air Force where She met her future husband, Sam Codella, while they were both stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.

Sam and Helen were married in 1950, had 5 children.

After raising her Five children, Helen returned to Rockland Community College to obtain her Nursing degree. She worked on the New City Ambulance Corps for years. Then worked the night shift as a RN Nurse for Good Samaritan Suffern, NY .

Helen and Sam took an early retirement to move to Florida to help with his in-laws, Henry & Helga Graber of St. Petersburg, FL. Helen enjoyed a very active life in Pine Lakes retirement community for 25 years, playing competitive tennis for not only the community but also for Lee County Tennis League.

Burial will be on Friday, March 1st at the Sarasota National Cemetery at 10:00 A.M., 9810 State Rd 72, 34241.

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to Parkinsons Foundation or Hope Hospice of Cape Coral.