Helen Cecelia Carapezzi (née McKenna) passed away peacefully after a brief illness on June 25, 2016 at her daughter's home in Lordship, Connecticut. She was surrounded by her beloved family. Helen was born to John and Helen McKenna in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. Growing up, she shared close bonds with her twin sister, Claire, and their three brothers. In late 1955, she accepted an offer for a driving lesson from William Carapezzi, a young man who worked at a local driving school, even though she already knew how to drive. The two were married on June 16, 1956 after a whirlwind courtship. Helen gave birth to four children in the coming years and dedicated herself to raising them. She loved to cook for her family and enjoyed traveling with her husband, particularly on his frequent business trips to Germany. When her children were grown, Helen learned to golf and spent her winters on Marco Island, Florida, where she loved to play 9 holes at the Hideaway Beach Club. She looked forward to baseball season every year and was an avid Yankees fan. Becoming a grandmother brought her immeasurable joy, and she dedicated herself to being an influential and supportive figure in their lives. She was present at her grandchildren's sports games and school events and proudly celebrated their every milestone. She always brought the entire family together for vibrant holiday celebrations and made time for each of her children and grandchildren individually. She created cherished memories of bargain shopping with her daughters, hosting sleepovers with her granddaughters, and cheering on the Yankees with her sons and grandsons. Throughout her entire life, Helen prioritized her family above all else. She devoted her life to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and to building a close-knit family. Her deep faith in God, strong family values and innumerable acts of kindness are everlasting legacies that she leaves behind.
She is survived by William Carapezzi, Sr, her husband of 60 years; four children, William, Jr, Ronald, Caryl DeFelice, and Cathy DoCarmo; her daughters- and sons-in-law, Sara and Newell Carapezzi, Joseph DeFelice and Francisco DoCarmo; her twin sister Claire Grant; ten grandchildren; two great-grandsons; and many nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to her as Aunt Honey for her sweetness. Helen was predeceased by her parents and three brothers, Raymond, Jack and Vincent McKenna. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Nicholas Pavia on Thursday, June 30th at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Peace Church, 651 Stratford Road Lordship. All other services and interment will be private, and have been entrusted to the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make donations in Helen's memory to the William R. and Helen C. Carapezzi Scholarship, payable to: St. Joseph High School 2320 Huntington Turnpike Trumbull, CT 06611