Helen (Motyka) Cortese

Helen Cortese, 89 of Piscataway, passed away peacefully on Wednesday February 2nd with her family by her side. Born in Somerville, she was the daughter of the late John and Barbara Motyka.

Helen was an employee at the Ethicon division of Johnson and Johnson for over 30 years.  She worked her way up from the production line to the finance department, taking college courses along the way.

Helen enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking, with stuffed artichokes and sausage and peppers her specialties’, bowling, participating in several leagues, and spending time with her family.   She served as past president of the North Plainfield Italian American Club and The Traveling Seniors Club.  She was a long term communicant at Our Lady of Fatima parish in Piscataway.

Besides her parents, Helen was predeceased by her loving husband of 68 years, Anthony in 2019, and by her great-grandson Austin.  She was also predeceased by her brother Wesley Motyka (Patricia), sisters Anne Miller (George), and Marion Dura (Paul).   She is survived by her daughter Kathy and husband Jim Tangen, her son John and wife Kathleen, 9 grandchildren, John (Sandra), Jeremy (Angela), Jesse (Melissa), Joel, Jillian, Jimmy, Michael (Kelly), Steven (Tiffany) and Kevin (Keely). She is also survived by her 8 great-grandchildren, Anthony, Madalyn, Parker, Carter, Tyler, Jake, Luke, Juliet as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was looking forward to meeting her new great granddaughter this spring. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Marie Cortese and Mary Cortese.

Friends may visit the family on Thursday, February 10 from 4:00-7:00pm at the Sheenan Funeral Home, 233 Dunellen Avenue in Dunellen. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 11 at 10:30am at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Piscataway. Burial will follow at Resurrection Burial Park in Piscataway

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s name may be made to The American Lung Association or St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital.

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