Halinka “Helene” Cannavaro (née Wojtyna) Born October 22, 1965, in Queens, New York, to Peter and Barbara Wojtyna, Halinka entered the world surrounded by the love of her devoted parents and her older brother, Peter Jr. The family later made their home in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where she spent her childhood and graduated from Fort Lee High School in 1984.

From the very beginning, Halinka carried a quiet strength and a humble, steady presence. She had a remarkable ability to tune in to the needs of the people she loved. Her parents were the heart of her world, and she cared for them with unwavering devotion. That same loyalty extended to her friends, who knew they could reach her at any hour. Her phone was always close by, ready for the next call from someone seeking her listening ear or her comforting presence.

She cherished traveling and moments at the beach, loved shopping, the excitement of the slots, and the comfort of creating a warm, welcoming, and beautiful home. Her creativity shone through her art and crafts, and she took pride in making her space a reflection of her care and attention.

Halinka had a gift for showing up — fully, consistently, and without hesitation. She would set aside anything she was doing if someone she loved needed comfort or guidance. She was never afraid to stand up for the people she cared about. When it mattered, she made sure her voice was heard, defending her family and friends with fierce loyalty and a strong sense of right and wrong.

She loved her children and grandchildren unconditionally, and they meant the world to her. Every milestone, every visit, every phone call was treasured. Her pride in them was boundless, and her love for them shaped so much of who she was.

And of course, those who knew her well will smile remembering her signature lateness —because she wanted her hair, especially her bangs, her makeup, and her appearance to be just right. It was her way of stepping into the world with confidence and grace.

Family and friends were the fabric of her life. In 2015, Halinka married the love of her life, beginning a chapter filled with companionship, laughter, countless adventures, and so much love.

She is survived by her husband, Giuseppe “Joey” Cannavaro of Pomona, NY; her daughter Janine and her husband Ben Varghese of Boca Raton, FL; her son Joseph Rosario of Paterson, NJ; and her son Nicholas Kogut and his wife Anna of Chuluota, FL. She is also survived by her stepchildren Gianna of Mansfield, OH, and Carmelo Cannavaro of Ohio; her brother Peter Wojtyna and his wife Robyn of Winthrop, ME; her eight grandchildren — Madon, Priyanka, Nico, Lilah, Luca, Daelan, Jace, and Loreli; and her five nieces and nephews — Peter III, Gabrielle, Brandon, Matthew, and Melissa. She is further survived by her mother‑ and father‑in‑law, Carmelo and Mary Cannavaro of West Haverstraw, NY, and her sister‑ and brother‑in‑law, Marianne and Al Megali of Garnerville, NY.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, February  4, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00 pm at T.J. Mcgowan Sons Funeral Home 133 Broadway Haverstraw NY 10927.

Her presence will be deeply missed, yet her love remains — in the memories she shaped, the lives she touched, and the countless moments of comfort she offered so freely.

To send flowers, please visit Bassett Flowers at www.bassettflowers.com

or call 845-634-3638 .