Helen DeLuca

Grand Ledge, Michigan

Helen ?Lena? DeLuca, age 93, of Grand Ledge, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2011. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, Pasquale ?Pat;? her parents, Petro and Rose; siblings James (Irene), Frank, and Louise Coscarelli; and her granddaughter, Rachel DeLuca.

Helen is survived by her children, Margaret, Charles (Virginia), Susan (Alberto) Naccarato, John (Kathleen), and Thomas (Theresa); her beloved grandchildren, Julia (Kyle Culver) Naccarato, Mark (Lisa) Naccarato, Pat (Laurie) DeLuca, Helen Coscarelli, Christine (Tony) Migaldi, Lisa, Mary, Sarah, and Tommy DeLuca; her 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Helen is also survived by her two sisters, Virginia Garland and Emily Coscarelli.

Although Helen was a gentle, quiet person, she was loud in the love that she had for her family and her faith. She made her family a wonderful, happy home to which they returned to visit often. A great cook, the smell of her delicacies would greet all at the door. Her homemade chocolates and bread were a real treat. The candy was given as presents to friends at Christmas. Helen was the perfect balance to her husband?s outgoing personality. She fully supported him in his life and business ventures including DeLuca?s Restaurant that is now operated by their sons. Many patrons still recall her sitting behind the counter and offering greetings with her beautiful smile. She never said an unkind word about anyone. In her own words, ?I like everyone, though maybe some a little more than others.?

During the constant bedside vigil, many memories were shared of wonderful times. We will try to live by your good example, Nonna. We love you; we will miss you at Sunday breakfast. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our lives. As a Sparrow physician stated, your family is an example of a ?job well done.?

Funeral Liturgy is 1:00 PM Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W. Willow, Lansing with Fr. John P. Klein officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM with a 7:00 PM Rosary service at the Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W. Saginaw Street, Lansing. Interment will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent Catholic Charities, Ele?s Place, or Sparrow Foundation. The family is being served by Tiffany Funeral Home. Friends may visit the guest book at www.tiffanyfuneralhome.com