Helena (Lewandowski) Cwiklinski

Helena Cwiklinski, a cherished soul, was welcomed into the arms of our Lord on July 19, 2025, in Paterson, New Jersey. Born on September 8, 1937, in the heart of Poland, Helena's life was a testament to the virtues of love, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Her journey on earth began as the beloved daughter of the late Feliks and Maria (nee Sliwa) Lewandowski, and she grew up alongside her sister, the late Czeslawa Leyko, in a home filled with faith and warmth.

Helena's early years in Poland were marked by her dedication to serving others, a commitment that led her to earn a Bachelor's Degree and become a registered nurse. Her caring hands and gentle spirit brought comfort and healing to many before she embarked on a new chapter in the United States in 1970 settling first in Brooklyn, NY then moving to Garfield, NJ after getting married where she resided since. Helena's passion for helping others continued as she became a valued lab technician for Teva Pharmaceutical in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. Her work was not just a job but a calling, and she performed it with grace and professionalism. Helena was a faithful parishioner of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Garfield, NJ.

The love story of Helena and her late husband, Franciszek Cwiklinski, was one of deep devotion and partnership. Together, they raised two daughters, Diana J. Cwiklinski and her husband Jorge Coste, and Katherine L. Cwiklinski and her husband Raymond Sy. Helena's role as a mother was one, she treasured above all else, instilling in her daughters the same values of faith and love that she held dear.

Helena's legacy extended to the joyous laughter of her grandson, Frank Coste, and the cherished moments with her several nieces and nephews. She was a matriarch in the truest sense, her heart and home always open to family and friends.

Beyond her professional and familial accomplishments, Helena had a zest for life's simple pleasures. She loved the beach, where the vastness of the ocean reflected her deep love for life. Her gardens were a bloom of colors, nurtured by her tender care, and her baking brought sweetness to every family gathering.

As we bid farewell to Helena Cwiklinski, we remember her not with sadness but with a celebration of the life she lived so fully.

Visiting hours Tuesday, at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton, NJ from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Prayer before Church at 9:15 am Wednesday at the Funeral Home followed by Mass at 10:00 am at St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church, Clifton, NJ. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Saddle Brook, NJ. Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences or memories on the Tribute Wall section of the obituary. 

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