Helen Lilian Cuozzo Parillo, age 100, passed away on December 16,2020 at Yale New Haven Hospital. Born on September 24, 1920 to Serafina Freda and Alfonse Cuozzo, Helen was one of 8 brothers and sisters (Anna, Virginia, William, Armand, Gero, Gemma and Massimino Cuozzo). She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 65 years, Andrew Parillo, her daughter Jennie “Cookie” Parillo MacNeil, and her grandson, Scott Bryant MacNeil. Helen leaves behind her devoted son, Donnie Parillo, who faithfully cared for her at home until her death. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Deanna MacNeil Bernier (Joseph Bernier) and Dean Andrew MacNeil, and five great grandchildren (Skyelyn, Scott and Spencer Bernier and Dean MacNeil, II), as well as many nieces and nephews. In her younger years, Helen worked at A.C. Gilbert. She was also a talented seamstress who worked for a number of local companies, including Robby Lenn and Gant Shirt Company. She was a proud member of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union Local 151 and held an honorary life membership in the organization for her over 50 years of service. Helen’s smile could light up and room and her warm personality and humor made people feel welcome. Helen was a proud wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who truly loved spending time with family and friends and making them laugh with her favorite jokes and stories from the past. Helen enjoyed cooking for her loved ones, sharing her special recipes, visiting the casino with the Jolly Timers and reminiscing about her trips to the Poconos with family. The meals she made in her modest kitchen were legendary and brought family and friends together. Her specialties included lasagna, ham pie, struffoli, wandi, homemade pickled eggplant and other Italian dishes made with love.
Close family and friends may call at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue on Wednesday December 23, 2020 between 10-11 a.m. followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery.