Helen Mae Cislaghi

On August 31, 2026, Helen Locke Cislaghi completed her 101 years on this earth and took her first steps on the golden streets of Heaven.

Helen was born November 25, 1924 to Allison and Mary (Russell) Locke in Boston, Massachusetts. As the Great Depression intensified, Helen’s parents ensured she was well taken care of by her aunt and uncle, who were better equipped to create a stable living environment. Afternoons spent at Fenway Park with her uncle ignited her life long love of the Boston Red Sox. Helen’s education continued in business school, where she excelled in shorthand writing. Later in her life Helen employed shorthand as a type of “secret code” to make grocery lists, personal memos, and a registry of Christmas gifts.

Helen met her husband, Joseph Cislaghi while he was on leave from the Navy. After his official discharge from the military in 1946, Joe traveled from Logansport, LA to Boston to visit Helen. Having never been south of New York, Helen journeyed independently by train to Louisiana to marry Joe in September of 1949. Helen and Joe began their life in Houston, TX where they had their first son, Gary. After moving to Shreveport, they welcomed their second son, Warren. The marriage of Joe and Helen shines as an excellent example of sacrifice, love, perseverance and commitment. After 66½ years of marriage, Joe was called to Heaven in 2015.

Helen was a constant student of the Bible, teaching and attending Bible studies, singing in the church choir, and serving in her congregation wherever she was needed. She most recently worshiped with the parishioners at Lakeview Methodist Church. Her lasting legacy will be that she demonstrated her faith generously to her family, forever altering her branch of the family tree. This legacy will be carried on by her descendants, creating an impact far into the future.

Helen is remembered for her outgoing personality, and her love of rocky New England sea shores with the ever present light house as well as her competitive games of Scrabble, her patience with jig-saw puzzles, her delicious pumpkin bread, her ever-present Boston accent, the “numbered” Christmas gifts she gave her grandkids, and her intricate cross-stitch creations. But most of all, she is remembered as everything a Nonie should be.

Helen is survived by her sons, Gary (Jamie), and Warren; grandchildren, Amber Venters (Eric), and Ethan (Jennifer) Cislagh; seven great-grandchildren, Emory, Asher, Abram and Creed Venters, Eli, Karis, and Jackson Cislaghi. For the last seven years, CeeCee Shumake was a faithful friend and help to Helen. They spent time going to hair appointments, shopping, and enjoying meals at their favorite restaurants. We appreciate you, CeeCee for your ever present friendship and compassionate care you showed Helen.

Helen’s family will receive friends at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr. in Shreveport on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. Minister Joe Huffman will be officiating.

We want to acknowledge Warren’s unfailing availability for Helen’s care.