Helen Latrella

Helen Latrella (née Mikowski), 82, of Mahwah, NJ, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025 surrounded by family.

Born on October 24, 1943, in Passaic, NJ, Helen was the beloved daughter of the late Rudolph and Julia (née Bauernhuber) Mikowski. She was also predeceased by her brother, Rudolph Jr. Helen grew up in Passaic and graduated from Passaic High School.

On September 1, 1962, she married her first spouse, L. Dennis Latrella, at Sacred Heart Church in Clifton, NJ. Together, they raised their family in Clifton and later in Saddle Brook.

Helen is lovingly survived by her three sons: Michael and his wife Margaret (Margie), Thomas and his wife Tammey, and Christopher and his fiancé Victoria. She was the proud grandmother of six grandsons—James, David, Evan, Jeremy, Brayden, and Chance—and cherished her two great-grandchildren, Stella and Luca.

Helen is also survived by her devoted wife, Jacqueline Sawicki; her sisters, Diane Prelich and Theresa Van Wagenen; her lifelong best friend, Patricia Bush; and her goddaughter, Lyn Hardy.

Throughout her life, Helen worked as an administrative assistant for various churches and schools, where she was known for her kindness, dedication, and attention to detail. A woman of deep faith, she served her church community as a Eucharistic Minister, lector, choir member, and participant in young adult ministries.

Helen was a humble and selfless woman whose home was always open to anyone in need. She welcomed others with warmth, compassion, and a generous spirit that touched countless lives. Helen also had a deep love for animals and cared for them with the same kindness she showed to everyone she met.

An avid New York Mets fan, Helen also enjoyed watching sports, listening to 50’s music and crocheting in her leisure time.

Above all, her greatest joy was being “Nana” to her beloved grandsons.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kugler Funeral Home in Saddle Brook.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at St. Philip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Saddle Brook, followed by interment at St. Michael’s Cemetery in South Hackensack.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helen’s memory may be made to Several Sources Shelters in Mahwah, NJ—a cause close to her heart.