Elena (Helen) Colucci, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Francesco and Vincenza (Balassone) Colucci.

Helen attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. She attended SUNY at Buffalo, where she graduated cum laude with a dual Bachelor's degree in History and English. She had a long and fulfilling career working at the Niagara Falls Public Library for 35 years until her retirement in 1985. Throughout her career, she worked in virtually all departments of the library, and specialized in Audio / Visual Media, and the Arts. In the 1950's, she and her sister Ann owned and operated a specialty shop for children's clothing, known as the Ann-Elen Shoppe, in downtown Niagara Falls, NY.

Throughout her lifetime, Helen traveled extensively with her family and friends throughout the United States and Europe. They enjoyed many winters at their home in Siesta Key, Florida. Helen was an avid gardener, reader and entertainer.  Her home was always open to her family and friends, who would find joy in their conversations with her, and in her table of delectable desserts!

Helen was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She was a role model and mentor to three generations of nieces and nephews. As a lifelong learner, she imparted to them her appreciation and knowledge of the arts, music, history, theatre, travel and the natural world. She nurtured their curiosity through shared experiences and meaningful gifts, which were inspirational and formed enduring, loving memories. She was an idealist and an eternal optimist. She will be poignantly remembered for her compassion, understanding, wisdom, wonderful sense of humor and unconditional love.

Left to cherish Helen's memory are her sister-in-law Kay (late Alfred) Colucci as well as twelve nieces and nephews; Vincenette Passanese, Charles (late Rebecca) Passanese, Jr., Linda (Edward) Garcia, Patricia Phillips, Paul (Laurie) Colucci, Sandra Colucci, Christine (Wade) Hart, Kathryn (Vincent) Castellani, Paula (Kevin) O'Keefe, Nancy Colucci, Diane (Jeffery) Harold and Donna (Michael) Viscosi.  She was also survived by 20 great and 23 great-great nieces and nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her two brothers, Ettore (late Gertrude) Colucci, Alfred (Kay) Colucci; two sisters, Fulvia (late Charles) Passanese and Ann Colucci and great niece, Colleen Harold.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 4 – 8 pm at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 9:15 am followed by Helen's Mass of Christian Burial at St. Raphael's Church at College and Macklem Avenues, Niagara Falls, NY at 10:00 am. Entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094.