Obituary of Helen A Kuhnen

Kuhnen, Helen Catherine (nee Acquadro), age 91 of Paterson at rest in Paterson on November 12, 2014. Born in Paterson on March 24th, she was a lifelong resident. After graduating from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, with a degree in Dietetics and Restaurant Management, Helen worked as a manager at Schraffts in New York City, and as a chemist. Her dream, however, was to become a teacher, but was discouraged to do so at the time by educators and mentors, because of the hearing impairment she had since the age of 10. Years later, while raising three children, Helen learned how to drive, and returned to school to obtain her teaching credits and Master's Degree in Special Education at William Paterson University. She overcame her doubters, and became a wonderful and beloved teacher to her many "girls" at the North Jersey Developmental Center for 27 years, instructing them in knitting, crocheting, weaving, embroidery, and skills of daily living. She was a sincere advocate for the handicapped. Helen was a former President of the Salesian Cooperators in Paterson, and while following the vocation of St. John Bosco, focused on helping the children of the community. Helen was also an intelligent, self-described "Renaissance woman" who studied and enjoyed objets d'art, particularly her doll, stamp, glass and egg collections. She was an avid reader, and especially liked historical novels. Until recently, Helen was a big fan of CNN and other news programs. She kept abreast of current world events, and was readily able to deliver opinions on such! Her witty sense of humor was second to none. Most of all, Helen loved her family, and was a very generous and giving spirit to everyone she met. She belonged to the Circus Fan Club of America and the Council of Catholic Women. Wife of Carl W. Kuhnen. Mother of Carl W. Kuhnen Jr. & his wife, Linda of Houston, Texas, Ted Kuhnen of Lakewood, Ohio, and Joyce Duncan & her husband, Bill of Wayne. Sister of the late Joseph Acquadro. Grandmother of Jeffrey Kuhnen & his wife, Angela, Gregory Kuhnen & his wife Camelia, Angela Kuhnen, Lisa Kuhnen, Michael Kuhnen & his wife, Terah, Mary Kuhnen, Billy Duncan, Joey Duncan, and John Duncan. Great Grandmother of Ben & Ryan Kuhnen, Scarlett Moss, Alexandra Kuhnen and Brooks Kuhnen. The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to Helen's special caregivers over the past few years. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd, Totowa, on Tuesday at 9:45 AM . Funeral Mass to follow at St. Anthony's RC Church, Paterson at 10:30 AM. Entombment at Laurel Grove Memorial Park Mausoleum, Totowa. Friends may visit Monday 2- 4 and 7-9 PM. For more information, go to www.festamemorial.com.