Obituary of Helen Cicalese

Helen Cicalese (nee Millen), 93, the “Flower Lady” of Colts Neck, NJ, passed away Friday, July 23 at Riverview Hospital, Red Bank. Helen was loved and admired by many. Helen was born November 13, 1916 to Peter & Pauline Millen in Holmdel, NJ. She married Salvatore Cicalese in 1946, moved to the Colts Neck farm where she lived for the rest of her life, and began to raise a family. Helen was a devoted mother, hard working farmer, and gladiola grower extraordinaire, helping to support her family with her vegetable and flower crops. She was a strong woman in both character and endurance; planting bulbs, cutting flowers, and fixing holiday dinners up until just a few years ago; guiding her family through life’s crises and teaching her children to do the right thing. Helen will be remembered and forever cherished by her children and their spouses, Salvatore Jr. (Margaret), Veronica, Steven (Diane), and D. James (Jennifer); her grandchildren, Salvatore III (Laura), Bryan, Megan, and Kathryn; her great-grandchildren, Salvatore IV, and Nicolette; her sisters Ginger, Anna, Julia, and Vi; her brother Eddie; brother-in-law Don; nieces, nephews, many special friends, especially Ruth, and her many devoted customers of the last 50 years. Her beloved husband of 34 years, Salvatore, preceded her in death, as did her siblings Georgie, the twins Frank and Joe, Stella and Pete. As our beloved Katie has said “what are we going to do without Gramma”. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 28, 9am at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 1 Phalanx Rd., Colts Neck. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, July 27 at Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center St., Freehold, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Rd., 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540 (autismspeaks.org).