Obituary of Helen A. Wanca

Helen A. Wanca, 92, of Westerleigh, passed away Saturday, January 27, at Staten Island University Hospital. She was a homemaker and loving, caring mother. Born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, she worked for Singer Manufacturing Co. in Elizabeth until her marriage to the love of her life, George Wanca. She moved to Staten Island after her marriage and spent the remainder of her life there. Mrs. Wanca was a parishioner of Holy Family R.C. Church in Westerleigh. She had a great sense of humor, loved puzzles and crochething, trips to A.C., and in her later years became an avid reader. As a fan of classic movies, there weren't many she hadn't seen. Although a quiet person, she was a great listener and always offered constructive advice when needed. Facing many adversities in her later years, she always approached them with a positive attitude and her faith. She is predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Geroge Wanca. Also predeceased are her brothers Joseph, Walter, and Edward Palac. Surviving are her daughters Janet Stampfle and her husband, Michael, Joyce O'Neill and her husband, James, and Joan Campione and her husband, Louis, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her brother, John Palac. In lieu of flowers,donations in her memory may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Thursday, departing at 9:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family R.C. Church at 10 am. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm.