Veronica Helen Cicalese

Veronica Helen Cicalese
Veronica Helen Cicalese, 76, passed away Thursday, October 31st at Jersey Shore Hospital, Neptune after a long hard-fought battle with Multiple Myeloma. Veronica was loved and admired by many.
Veronica was born on December 30, 1947, to Salvatore & Helen Cicalese in Colts Neck, NJ. Veronica was devoted to her family and was an integral part of her parents, brother's and their children's lives. She never missed a graduation, birthday party, dance recital, or school concert, and was one of the first to arrive after the birth of a niece or nephew. Holidays were truly magical at Veronica's house, especially at Christmas, with the perfectly decorated tree and inspired gifts. Veronica was a baker extraordinaire; her chocolate chip cookies were amazing! She was there for many a crisis or illness too, thinking of others before herself.
Veronica excelled in high school and went to college to become a teacher but missed the family farm too much. Veronica returned home and partnered with her mom to run the family farm for the rest of her life, growing beautiful cut flowers including gladiolas, zinnias, dahlias and potted chrysanthemums. Many a home in central Jersey was beautified by her work. Veronica was an avid reader, lover of music and movies, and lover of nature and animals, especially her devoted companion, Pups. Veronica found beauty all around her.
Veronica will be remembered and forever cherished by her brothers and their spouses, Salvatore Jr. (Margaret), Steven, and D. James (Jennifer); her nieces and nephews, Salvatore III, Bryan, Megan (Angel), and Katie; her great-nephews and niece, Chuck, Tommy, Salvatore IV, and Nicolette; many cousins and special friends, and her many devoted customers of the last 50 years. James Durand, the love of her life, and fiancée of 20 years, preceded her in death. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, November 7, 10:30am at St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church, 16 McLean St., Freehold, NJ. Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, November 6 at Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center St., Freehold. Family and friends will have an opportunity to share words of remembrance on Wednesday evening.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Memorial and Tribute Gifts - Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve (https://bhwp.org/support/giving/memorial-and-tribute-gifts/), 215.862.2924 x110