Helen Adragna

Helen Adragna, of Woolwich Township, N.J., passed away on Jan. 11, 2014, at age 94. Mrs. Adragna was born in Crafton, PA to the late Joseph and Jenny Santavicca. She and her husband resided in Carnegie and Scott Township PA before moving to Woolwich Township, NJ 16 years ago.

Mrs. Adragna was a devoted Catholic and founding member of SS Simon and Jude Parish, which was established in 1955 in Scott Township. Through SS Simon and Jude, she was an active member of Christian Mothers, where she served as president and various committee chairs. Mrs. Adragna also was an active member of The Legion of Mary of SSJ serving as president, vice president and secretary.


An avid student of history, Mrs. Adragna often shared memories and stories of pre- and post-WWII days. While living in Swedesboro, she loved going to Bottos Italian Market every Saturday, relishing in her family heritage. She also was a member of the Swedesboro Library Book Club and had a life-long love for words and reading, which she continued to enjoy on her Kindle and through crossword puzzles - even at age 94.
Additionally, Mrs. Adragna enjoyed gardening and quilting, creating many quilts and embroidery pieces for family and friends over the years. Mrs. Adragna will be remembered as a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as a devoted friend.


Mrs. Adragna is pre-deceased by her husband James V. Adragna, who she was married to for 63 years. She is survived by three daughters and one son: Patricia A. Blum of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Maureen (Rick) Fraser of Lilburn, Ga., James V. of Imperial, Penn., and Gemma (Bill) Ivol of Woolwich Township; sister Rose Bellon; brother Albert Santavicca; 10 grandchildren: Robert and David Blum, Beth Whetsell, Dianne Pieterse, Lauren and Kristen Fraser, Jimmy and Angie Adragna, and Allie and Glen Ivol; seven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 16, at 9:30 a.m. until the mass at 10 a.m. at SS Simon and Jude Church, 1607 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at cff.org. Memories and condolences may be shared at daviswagner.com.

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