Naugatuck-Helen Lantieri Burksa, born June 19, 1955, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, January 25th, surrounded by the love that defined her life. A lifelong resident of Naugatuck, Connecticut — proudly “on the hill” — Helen was known for being the loudest woman in the room and the one with the biggest heart. Her presence was unmistakable, her laughter unmistakably hers, and her love for family unwavering.

Helen was fierce, protective, and endlessly generous. She raised her three children largely on her own, ensuring they were cared for, supported, and never went without. Her home was always open, her table always full, and her warmth extended to friends, neighbors, and anyone who needed a place to feel welcome.

In her earlier years, Helen loved crocheting, camping by the lake, and traveling. She cherished time outdoors, especially picnics and family gatherings. More than anything, she loved being near the people she cared about — family was her anchor, her joy, and her purpose.

Helen was predeceased by her parents, Eugene and Nadine Lantieri, who were the heart of the hill themselves — the matriarch and patriarch who began it all, built a home rooted in strength and love, and passed those values on to their children — as well as by her husband, Algirdas Burksa, the love of her life.

She leaves behind her children: David Lantieri and his wife Teresa Lantieri, Daniel Lantieri and his wife Heather Lantieri, and Tina Cruz Lantieri. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Dawn Dessureau and her husband Jimmy Dessureau, and Al Burksa and his wife Tracy Clark Burksa. Helen is further survived by her beloved siblings — Gerald Lantieri, Gene Lantieri, Carl Lantieri, and Linda Goss — as well as her cousin, Ida Morello Timmreck, whom she loved as a sister. Her grandchildren, Ryan, Anthony, Bianca, Victor, Alicia, Mathew, Jimmy, Alyssa, and Emily, brought her endless pride, and her great‑grandchildren, Sophia and the newest and brightest light in her life Aurelius.

Helen’s legacy is one of strength, devotion, and boundless love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Funeral services for Helen will be held on Friday, February 6th, at 11:00 a.m. at Naugatuck Valley Memorial /Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street in Naugatuck.  Family and friends may visit from 10-11 a.m.  The burial of her cremains will take place immediately following the service at St. James Cemetery.