Obituary of Helen P. Zapasnikas

Helen Zapasnikas, 78, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Born on July 12, 1946, in Newark, NJ, Helen was the beloved daughter of the late John and Nellie Pitrenas.

A proud graduate of Nutley High School, Helen married Zenonas J. Zapasnikas, on October 7, 1978. Together, they built a loving family, raising their three cherished children: Christine, Ann, and Peter. Helen found immense joy in being a devoted grandmother to her five grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Helen embraced her role as a homemaker with warmth and dedication, filling her home with the smells of delicious meals, the beauty of her crocheted creations, and the sound of her favorite music. A fan of game shows and an ardent animal lover. Her legacy is one of love, kindness, and generosity. Helen will be remembered as a devoted mother, adoring grandmother, and steadfast friend whose presence made the world brighter.

Helen’s memory lives on in the hearts of her children: Christine Szemborski and her husband Kevin, Ann Dioguardi and her husband Steven, and Peter Zapasnikas and his wife Nicole; as well as her grandchildren: Ashley, Abigail, Matthew, James, and Emma.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Zenonas J. Zapasnikas; her parents, John and Nellie Pitrenas; and her sister, Nellie Cummins.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects and celebrate Helen’s life on Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Martin Funeral Home, located at 1761 Rt. 31, Clinton, NJ 08809. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church, located at 316 Old Allerton Rd., Annandale, NJ 08801. Burial will follow immediately after Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, located at 340 Ridge Rd., North Arlington, NJ 07031.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the, Epilepsy Foundation, Please Click Here to Donate in Helen’s memory.

May Helen rest in eternal peace, forever in the hearts of those who loved and cared for her.