Helen Lawryczenko

Helen Lawryczenko, passed away peacefully on May 13, just days after her 72nd birthday. Born in Manchester, England, Helen grew up in Hoboken from the age of two, graduating from Hoboken High School in 1972. She lived in Little Ferry and Moonachie for many years before finally relocating to Bluffton, South Carolina to be with her beloved sister Vera and brother-in-law, Joseph.

Known for her warmth, humor, generosity, and kindness, Helen was the heart and caregiver of her family and touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

Helen built a career in transportation logistics and worked for many years at Panasonic in Secaucus until her retirement.

Above all, Helen devoted her life to caring for others. She lived for many years with her niece, Kimberly Rapella, and her husband, Albert Rapella, and played an integral role in raising their children, Andrew and Nina Rapella, whom she loved as her own children.

Helen is survived by her loving siblings, Alex Lawryczenko and Vera Zazzarino, and brother-in-law Joseph Zazzarino; her devoted niece Kimberly Rapella and husband Albert Rapella; her beloved great-nephew, Andrew and great-niece, Nina.

She also leaves behind dear cousins, Elizabeth & Ken Meadows, Anna Western, Michael & Rosemary Stajduhar.

Helen was predeceased by her parents, Anna Lawryczenko (née Stajduhar) and Ivan “John” Lawryczenko.

Helen had a gift for forming friendships wherever she went. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures —traveling, playing the lottery, doing jigsaw puzzles, caring for pets, and entertaining those around her. Her kindness was effortless, her generosity endless, and her love unconditional.

Helen’s life was defined not by grand gestures, but by the countless quiet acts of love and care she gave so freely every day. She will be profoundly missed, forever remembered, and endlessly loved.

Visitation will be held at Mack Memorial Home, 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ on Thursday May 21, 2026, from 5 to 8pm. A Graveside Prayer Service will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Rd, North Arlington, NJ on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:30 am; everyone who would like to attend the services for Helen are asked to meet at 11:15am outside the cemetery office as soon as you pull into the cemetery from Ridge Road on the right, there will be no services at the funeral home.