Obituaries

Helene (Lockett) Lapinski, a lifelong resident of Moosic, passed away Friday at Oakwood Terrace in Moosic, following an illness. She was 78 years old.
On July 26, 2016, Helene was preceded in death by her childhood sweetheart and husband of 52 years, Joseph J. Lapinski, Jr.
Born on April 6, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Sidney and Edna (Mutchler) Lockett. A 1963 graduate of the former Taylor-Moosic High School, she was named both Homecoming and Prom Queen during her senior year. After marrying her longtime love, Joe, she began raising a family of three adored children.
Selfless and kind to a fault, Helene led an admirable life of service to others. She led a Lackawanna County Senior Citizens Program at the Moosic Youth Center and, prior to her retirement, she worked for Allied Services as an aide to handicapped adults.
She was talented in making ceramics, had a huge spot in her heart for animals (from rescuing strays to helping to rehabilitate animals of all kinds), and cared deeply for those she loved. Her warm heart was felt simply upon meeting her.
Above all else came her family, especially her five beloved grandchildren. Now at peace and reunited with Joe, she will forever be missed by all who knew her.
Helene was also a longtime member of the Moosic Presbyterian Church.
She is survived by her loving family and devoted caregivers, Leslie Hawkins and husband Jim of Spring Brook Twp., Lynn Colarusso and husband Kevin of Old Forge and Brian Lapinski and wife Lisa of Old Forge; Paul Lewis, whom she considered a son, and wife Maria of Southampton, N.J.; five adored grandchildren, Haley Colarusso, Madison and Blake Hawkins, Mario Colarusso and Joey Lapinski; a sister, Sally Pressley of Birmingham, AL; and nieces and nephews.
A sister, Nancy Savage, also preceded her in death.
Her family would like to acknowledge and thank the entire staffs of both Oakwood Terrace, especially its aides, and also Telespond Senior Services, for the collective care and kindness shown to Helene throughout the years.
Private arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge. Entombment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst Twp.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Helene’s name to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter c/o 967 Griffin Pond Rd, South Abington Township, PA 18411.