Helen M. Catalano

Helen Mary Morariu Catalano, 85, of Middletown, CT, beloved wife of the late Deacon John Catalano, passed away on December 31, 2013 after a brief illness with family by her side. Helen was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Mary (Talvan) Morariu, and her brother Joseph, Jr. She is survived by her children Carmen and her husband Jaimes Gutes of Higganum, Rochelle and her husband Cliff Carabetta of Durham, Renee Verrillo of Cromwell, and Jude and his wife Marcia of Higganum. She has four grandchildren, Marcellus Catalano, Zachary Maura, Eliana and Tristan Catalano, and two great-grandchildren Maximilian and Sophia Catalano. She is also survived by her brother John Morariu of Portland, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was very active in her church community, being a member of the Blue Army, was a third order Franciscan, a Eucharistic minister, and a CCD teacher. She helped form the charismatic renewal prayer group at St. Sebastian Church, was a lector, and cleaned the church sanctuary and took care of vestments and altar clothes for many years. She worked in a convalescent home and later cared for an elderly women privately. She was a devout Catholic who dedicated her life to serving Jesus, her family, and anyone in need. She was a true example of how a follower of Christ should live, and her faith never wavered. Her light will continue to shine through her family and the countless people she touched. She will be greatly missed. A funeral mass will be held at Saint Mary's Catholic church, Freestone Ave. Portland, CT at 1:00pm Saturday January 4, 2013.