Obituary of Helen G. Vanderzee

Helen (Elena) G. Vanderzee (née Laporta), a lifelong Madison resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, July 24, 2023. She was 92.

Helen is survived by her devoted children, Warren Storm Vanderzee, Jr. and his wife Kathleen, and Marie Elena Shupe and her husband Ed; six cherished grandchildren, Storm and Drew Vanderzee, and Geoffrey, Ryan, Brandon, and Alexis Shupe; two treasured great-grandchildren, Riley and Colten Shupe; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 45 years, Warren Storm Vanderzee, Sr. in 1999; four brothers, Joe, Paul, Frank, and Tony Laporta; and three sisters, Frances Laporta, Annie Vanes, and Angie Caskey.

Helen was born on January 18, 1931, to the late Anthony and Concetta Laporta. She was born on North Street in Madison just two doors down from the house she would happily live in for the next 90 years. Helen met her future husband, Warren Storm Vanderzee, Sr., at a roller rink, and the couple married on October 24, 1954.

Helen was a hard worker and began working at Kraft Foods after getting married before becoming a line operator at Ciba-Geigy/Novartis in Summit until her retirement.

Helen had a true heart of gold and would do anything for her family. She adored spending time with her siblings, children, and grandchildren and loved hosting family gatherings. Christmas Eve fish dinners and summertime BBQs are some of the times her family looks on most fondly. Helen was a devout Catholic and went to church every Sunday morning at either St. Vincent Martyr Church in Madison or Holy Family Church in Florham Park. She was also a devoted caregiver, taking care of her oldest sister Frances at her home. Helen loved cooking, playing cards with her siblings, entertaining, taking morning walks, and attending baseball games to support her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her family takes comfort knowing that she is at peace.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Helen on Thursday, July 27, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who wish may attend the mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org. Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in Helen’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.