Obituary of Helen Ericksen Izzo

Helen Ericksen Izzo, age 97, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, known for her contagious smile and her ever present Elephant pins, her love of family, friends and community, went home to God on February 5, 2014 after a short illness. Born in Brooklyn, NY on February 10, 1916, she graduated from Manual Training High School and furthered her education at Heffley Business College, both in New York. She moved to Denville in 1958 with her husband Joseph and their four children. In her business career she was employed at various locations as an Executive Secretary, ultimately retiring as Office Manager at Rockaway River Country Club. She had an overwhelming desire to be of service both to her church and community and as such was a parishioner of St. Mary's Church, church organist and was a member of the Columbietts and Rosary Society. She also volunteered at St. Clare's Hospital, Morris Catholic High School and St. Mary's School while her children were enrolled. She was a member of the Denville Senior Citizen Ladies "Wednesday Group", Denville Republican Club, and a Denville Republican County Committee Women and also volunteered as a pianist for the VFW Memorial Service and at the NJ Foundation for the Blind. Helen was also honored by numerous organizations receiving the VFW Americanism Award, Rotary Outstanding Citizen Award and the New Jersey Foundation for the Blind, Sighted Person of the Year Award. Helen was predeceased by her husband Joseph who died February 5, 2005 and infant daughter Suzanne. She is survived by her sister Georgia in Florida as well as her daughter Jo-Ann Blaker of W. Virginia, her daughter Donna Costello and husband Frank of Dover, her son Gregory Izzo and wife Betty Ann of Wharton, NJ, her son Edward Izzo and wife Sharon of Denville. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Bernadette Aaron, Brian and Jen Aaron, Bill and Cheri Costello, Chris and Angela Izzo, Dan and Kate Izzo and Elizabeth Izzo, 8 great-grandchildren, Megan, Katelyn, Tyler, Devin, Aden, Sophia, Abigail, and Owen. Also surviving Helen Izzo are two special grandsons through love, Matthew and Andrew Saskowitz as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Helen will continue to be loved in our hearts and forever missed especially by her dearest friend, Barbara Lyman. Helen was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and leaves happy memories for her family and friends to cherish forever. Funeral from the Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville, NJ on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 9:00 AM for a 10:00AM Liturgy of Christian Burial at St. Mary's Church, Denville, NJ. She will be laid to rest with her husband Joe in Denville Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 7-9 on Monday, February 10, 2014. Please share a memory of Helen by lighting a candle on our web site www.normandean.com. Donations are being accepted to Denville Fire Department 2 Indian Road Denville, NJ 07834.