Helen Sciarra

1925 - 2024

Helen Sciarra
October 3, 2024
Helen Stegina Sciarra, a lifelong resident of Branford, passed away peacefully on October 3, surrounded by her loving family. Helen was born to Croatian immigrants, Barbara (Vuksinic) and John Stegina on June 17, 1925. One of eight children, Helen was pre-deceased by her brothers, John, Frank, Michael, Joseph and George, as well as her sisters, Mary (Zywocinski) and Katherine (Zaffino), and their spouses.
"Steg", as she was affectionately nicknamed by her friends, graduated from Branford High School, class of 1943, where she was "admired for her wisdom and sincere friendliness". As it turned out, these two traits along with her strong Catholic faith, came to define her life.
After graduating high school, Steg joined Southern New England Telephone Company, where she worked for 8 years. It was there that she met and married her beloved and devoted late husband, John.
Together for 63 years, Helen and John raised 3 children, Paul, Deborah (Rob) Paterson and Susan (George) Noonan, enjoyed their 4 beautiful grandchildren Kristianna, Colin, Emily and Sarah, and recently welcomed 2 adorable great-grandchildren.
Helen and John travelled extensively within the U.S., the islands, Canada and throughout Europe. They especially loved visiting Croatia and Italy, where their final adventure was an opera gala throughout the northern towns. In addition, Bermuda was a favorite destination every June to celebrate their wedding anniversary.
Helen loved to read, loved the arts, but above all, loved the beach. Whether it was spending time at Branford Point as a young adult, or later at the iconic Owenego Beach & Tennis Club, where she and John were members for 30 years, beach days were always good days. Helen had the courage and determination to take up tennis at the age of 40. She was tired of sitting on the sidelines, watching. She loved the game, became quite good at it and played until she was 86 years old. When she wasn't playing at the "O", she was on the courts at Jupiter Ocean & Racquet Club in Florida, where she and John spent winters.
Helen was very active in community events, clubs and volunteer work, but most important, she was a devoted parishioner of St. John Bosco Parish (formerly St. Mary Parish) her entire life. She found great comfort in the Catholic church and her faith, and was very proud of her religion.
Helen will be remembered by her beautiful smile, best ever Thanksgiving stuffing, Croatian Povitisas and her uncanny ability to win at BINGO. She was incredibly generous with both her time and wisdom, and was always willing to listen and learn. In 99 years, she saw countless changes (both good and bad) in the world; in history, in "her" little town of Branford and in life, in general. She was very accepting of change and would say, "Nothing stays the same".
Helen, Steg, Mom, Gam (as her grandchildren lovingly called her), you lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Everyone who met you, loved you. And although we will miss you dearly, your legacy will live forever in our hearts; to be continued.
A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, October 7, at 10:30 am, St. John Bosco Church in Branford. Internment immediately following at St. Agnes Cemetery, also in Branford.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Helen's name to Office of Radio & Television (ORTV), supporting the daily Mass, which she faithfully enjoyed every morning. ORTV, 15 Peach Orchard Road, Prospect, CT 06712. For directions and online memorial, see www.wsclancy.com .