Obituary of Helen Manuri

MANURI, HELEN, 98 The Villages -Helen (Aniela) Manuri (nee Della Serra), 98, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2011 surrounded by her immediate and loving family. Affectionately referred to as "Nellie" by friends and family, she was born and raised in Cranford, NJ, She was the daughter of Antonio and Concetta Della Serra, who emigrated to the United States from Monteferrante, in the Abruzzo region of Italy, in the early 1900s. Helen was the beloved wife of the late Salvatore Manuri, and together, owned Sal's Sinclair Station, Cranford, NJ. During her lifetime she lived with her husband in NJ, CA and FL, returning to NJ upon her husband's death to assist in caring for her parents in their later years. Helen relocated permanently to FL in 2004. Helen was known for her lively and spirited nature, her love of dancing, country western music and sharing memories of motorcycle excursions taken with her husband Sal. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Stephen Schlapak, of The Villages, Florida; grandchildren Deborah and Keith Franklin of The Villages, Fl, and Ana (Joseph) Schlapak of Lodi, NJ, and great-grandchildren, Isabella and Cristian Schlapak, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and other family members. Helen was predeceased by her siblings, brother, Ralph Della Serra, and sisters, Mary DiFabio, Rose Colucci and Frances Brunette, grandson Joseph, and son Salvatore Manuri, Jr. Viewings will be held at Dooley Funeral Home, 218 North Avenue, West, Cranford on Tuesday, December 27th, from 2 to 4 PM