Helen Destefani

Helen E. DeStefani, 83, of Rockford died Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Alden Debes. Born October 11, 1931 in North Arlington, New Jersey to Thomas and Helen Kennedy. Raised on Long Island, she married her loving husband Thomas DeStefani in Babylon, NY in 1952. They were married for 59 years, until the death of Thomas in 2011. As a couple, they had been members of Holy Family Catholic Church since 1988. Helen worked for many years as a bookkeeper. She enjoyed a good game of golf, playing bridge and cheering for her favorite teams, the Chicago Cubs, and especially, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Survivors include her son Thomas (Patricia) DeStefani, Jr., MD and grandchildren, Matthew and Julia. Other survivors include sister, Joan and her brother, James, both of Long Island. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Thomas and sister, Monica. All services are private. May she know peace. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford chapel assisted the family.