On January 19, 2023, Saint Peter turned his key and opened the pearl gates into paradise for our beloved Aunt Helen where she was greeted by her husband Ray, mother Christine, father Tony, sister Lorraine, along with many other family members and friends.  Our Aunt Helen’s journey on earth was finally over and she was granted eternal life. Helen Laura Izzi Salas was born August 11, 1923 in Jersey City, New Jersey. The family later moved to Rahway and lived in a three-story house at 23 Main Street behind the Rahway Theater and across the street from Steve the Tailor and his wife, Julie. Helen and Lorraine weren’t allowed to cross the street to play, instead they would revel in listening to the vaudeville actors at the Rahway Theater through the hedges of their backyard. In 1945, they moved to 1421 New Church Street in Rahway. The house backed to Veterans Memorial Field and the family had the perfect view of all the high school games.

Helen attended Rahway High School where she was valedictorian of her class and held positions in numerous clubs such as president of the law club. Helen had aspirations of becoming a labor lawyer. She was also an air raid warden during WW2. She graduated high school in 1941 and went to work for Merck & Co. where she worked for 47 years until she retired in 1988.

Helen and Ray traveled extensively throughout their years together, cruising around the world twice, visiting the pyramids of Egypt, the cathedrals of Italy, the castles of Ireland, the beaches of Curaçao and the streets of Morocco. However, their favorite place to be was with family, wherever the family lived, visiting us in Illinois, Colorado, Arizona, Nebraska, Wisconsin and California.

Helen was very devoted to her family and was present for most big events in our lives. She did anything for the three of us (Sandy, Diane and Melanie) and considered us her children and the apple of her eye. We all remained in close contact with her throughout our lives and FaceTimed daily the last few years. She leaves the three of us behind, along with our families: Sandy (Susi), Diane (Preston) Melanie and our children her great nieces: Christine (Sean), Nicci (Jordan), Adrienne (Mike), Danielle (Billy) and great great nieces and nephew: Sophia, Tyler and Luella.

We will miss our “Auntie Hanu” but know she is enjoying the company of her loved ones, who she so missed, along with one of our dad’s martinis.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 1st from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel.  For messages of condolence, please visit Helen’s page of tributes at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.