Obituary of Caroline Contreni Alkema

Caroline Contreni Alkema (nee Deska), age 73, of Totowa, passed away on February 18, 2013. She was born in Shamokin, PA to the late George and Evelyn Deska. Caroline worked as a switchboard operator for many years at Beth Israel Hospital in Passaic and more recently enjoyed volunteering at St. Joseph's Home for the Elderly in Totowa were she was a resident. Caroline was the adored mother of David Contreni and his wife Carol Ann, Michael Contreni, Caroline Contreni Tota, Johnny Contreni and his wife Lisa, Catherine Contreni Cullen and her husband John, and Cynthia Contreni Lisa. She was the treasured grandmother of 15 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her former husband Bernard Contreni, her brother Dennis Deska, sister Sue Zukowski, brother Jeffrey Deska and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Shelley Schofield. Visitation will be held Thursday from 2-4&7-9pm at St. Joseph's Home for the Elderly, Little Sisters of the Poor, 140 Shepherd Lane, Totowa. A Mass will be offered on Friday at 10:30am at St. Joseph's Home for the Elderly, Little Sisters of the Poor. Entombent will follow at Garden of Memories in Paramus. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: St. Joseph's Home for the Elderly Little Sisters' of the Poor 140 Shepherd Lane Totowa, NJ 07512