Helen Zawistowski

Helen Zawistowski , 79, of Forked River passed away in New Brunswick peacefully on Thursday, December 12, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

Helen was predeceased by her husband Joseph Zawistowski and mother Anna Tomocik. Helen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Helen loved unconditionally and was known for her generosity and kindness. All were always welcomed in her home and asked to treat it like their own. Her festive presence was enjoyed by many people over the years.

Helen is survived by her son Matthew Almeida and daughter-in-law Jennifer Lee Almeida; her beloved grandchildren Bo, Presley and Cassidy Almeida; daughter by choice Loriann Reccoppa; granddaughters Antonia Magliacane and Samantha Magliacane.

Born in 1945 in western Germany near Alsace-Lorraine in the last days of WWII, her father was killed in action before her birth. Helen and her mother immigrated to the US via Canada in 1954 arriving in Perth Amboy, which was then home to her two uncles Joseph and Stephen. Her loving step-father John Tomocik and mother Anna raised her there as she learned to master the English language and eventually graduated Perth Amboy High School in 1963. Helen became a professional beautician that eventually owned her own beauty salon business on Smith Street in Perth Amboy.  For a single woman in her mid 20s during the late 1960s to be a business owner was a rarity at the time. She soon wed John Almeida in 1971, adopted Brenda Mundy in 1973 and moved to North Brunswick Township to raise her family that same year.  Helen would reside on Hobart Road in North Brunswick for the next 30 years, giving birth to her only son Matthew in 1977.  In 1987 as a single working mother at the time, Helen met her future husband Joe Zawistowski. She next worked at the front desk of the  Anthony Vincent Salon in East Windsor booking appointments and greeting all you entered with great humor and warmth. Her silly antics often entertained her coworkers and customers alike for the next 15 years. Helen often considered her coworkers to be like family. It was here that Loriann entered her life and essentially became a daughter to her. Plus, Helen had the idea to set up a blind date between her son Matthew & her colleague Dana's younger sister Jennifer which eventually resulted in three grandchildren.  After marrying Joe Zawistowski they purchased a second home along the canal on Capstan Drive in Forked River. In 2006, Helen sold the family home in North Brunswick to her son and she & Joe retired to Forked River where they enjoyed hosting so many people for over the years. 

Helen was also a spiritual person that was raised Catholic who loved the Lord with all her heart. Helen lived life to the fullest and, while we wish her time with us was longer, she will always remain in our hearts and we will treasure memories of the good times we spent with Helen forever.

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