Helen M. Scarpa

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother and Grandmother, Helen Mary Scarpa (nee Deforge),on August 23, 2025 at the age of 83. She was a shining light in the lives of all who knew her and she will be deeply missed by family and friends alike.

Helen was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on February 17, 1942 to Mary (nee Kile) and Louis DeForge. She was raised in Jersey City where she lived most of her adult life and raised her family. She moved to Clark, New Jersey in 2007. Helen was very proud of her Jersey City roots.

An amazing mother, Helen devoted her life to nurturing and caring for her family. Her love knew no bounds, and her warmth made everyone's lives brighter. As a grandmother, she was nothing short of extraordinary, showering her grandchildren with endless affection, wisdom and the kind of love that only a grandmother can give. Helen was an incredibly loyal friend. Her friendships were a testament to her kindness as she was always there for those she loved.

Helen enjoyed an incredible sense of humor and she kept everyone laughing with her "Helenisms." She enjoyed hosting her family and friends through the years at "Scarpa basement parties." She also enjoyed the one-armed bandits of Atlantic City, working out at the "senior's gym" and spending time with her dear friends and her grandchildren.

Helen had an unwavering faith in God. She was a parishioner of multiple parishes in her lifetime including Saint Aloysius and Our Lady of Mercy Churches in Jersey City. She was most recently a parishioner at Saint Agnes Church in Clark, New Jersey

Helen is survived by her children, Darren Scarpa (Jennifer), Steven Scarpa (Lenore), and Lauren Yfantis (Greg). Helen leaves behind her grandchildren, Kathryn ("Katie") Scarpa (and her mom Debbie), Steven Scarpa, Luke Scarpa, Joseph Scarpa,Sierra Sloan, Owen Scarpa, Jenna Scarpa, Evan Scarpa, and Gregory Yfantis.

Helen is preceded in death by her devoted husband Angelo "Sonny" Scarpa, and her parents, Mary and Louis DeForge.

Helen was also predeceased by all of her siblings, Catharine Faller (Charles), Laura Andrusyshen (Bill), Mary, Frances "Molly" Ambrosio (Sam), Margaret "Peggy" Patella (Louis), Jeanne Bailey (Bill), Edward (Joyce), Louis (Patricia), Joseph, and Paul (Grace) DeForge.

Helen was also predeceased by her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Angelo and Rose Scarpa, her brothers-in-law Louis (Esther), Anthony (Angelina), John (Gela), Nicholas (Lil), and Peter (Natalie) Scarpa and sisters-in-law Helen Fazio (Angelo), and Rose Grauso (Vincent).

Helen also leaves behind her dear sister-in-law Catherine DeForge and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Helen's legacy of love, compassion, laughter and joy will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

While flowers will be graciously received, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.