Obituary of Helen F. Leibl

ONEIDA . . . Helen F. Leibl, 84, of Oneida, NY passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024, peacefully at home. Helen was born July 19, 1939, in Gloversville, NY to the late Pasquale and Assunta (Digiacomo) D'Errico. Helen was married to the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Joseph Leibl on June 18, 1960, in Gloversville, NY. They had four children: Lynn Marie (Jerry) Garski, Joseph Michael (Evelyn) Leibl, Michael Joseph Leibl, and Anthony Jay Leibl (Christi Quesada). She loved her grandchildren with all her heart: Carolyn E. (Anthony) Crivello, Joseph R. Leibl, Vincent J. Leibl, Michael B. Leibl, Gabriella Berry, Alexa Crosby, and Richard Crosby; and great grandchildren, Frank E. Crivello, Autumn Crosby, and Vincent Crosby. Helen came from a large family of one brother and five sisters, and grew up during the depression when a large emphasis was placed on hard work, good values, and loving your family. Helen was the second youngest of her siblings. She is survived by her sisters, Rose Kelly of Amsterdam, NY, Katherine Cozzolino of San Antonio, FL, and Patty (Rick) Gargiulo of Saratoga, NY. Helen was predeceased by her brother, Jack D'Errico; sisters, Carmella Mulhall of Gloversville, NY and Louise Mosconi of Gloversville, NY. She is also survived by her husband's loving family, sister-in-law Barbara Shell of Gloversville, NY, and Francis (Pam) Leibl of Dunkirk, NY. She was predeceased by her brothers-in-law, Robert Shell of Gloversville, NY, Edwin Kelly of Amsterdam, NY, Salvatore Cozzolino of San Antonio, FL, John Mulhall of Gloversville, NY, and Robert Mosconi of Gloversville, NY. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and cousins. She worked hard to try to keep in contact with them all and was the glue of her family. Helen graduated from Gloversville High School in 1957. She was a life learner, intelligent, creative and a hard worker. Early on in high school, she worked at a drug store and Crescendo Glove Company. After moving to Canastota, NY where she resided for many years, she was a receptionist and bookkeeper for Dr. John Sullivan in Canastota, and worked at the Sears catalog store in Oneida. In 1974, she and her husband started Reliable Products and Helen did all the bookkeeping for their businesses up until the last year of her life. Those who knew Helen, knew her as an amazing Italian cook. She was well known for her fabulous sauce and meatballs. She was a wonderful baker as well and made the most delicious chocolate chip cookies. She was well known for making Italian cannolis with her very best friend of 74 years, Caroline Cerasia. Helen was a wonderful homemaker and avid gardener. People would stop by her home to photograph her home and admire her landscaping and beautiful flowers. She would knit beautiful blankets and sweaters with complex patterns which her family still cherishes today. She was a member of St. Agatha's parish and an active member of the Canastota community including the Garden Club, Lionettes, and the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed golf leagues at Kanon Valley where she was an original member. Most of all, she was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was always thinking of her family and hosted beautiful celebrations. Her home was impeccably decorated for every holiday. She enjoyed shopping for beautiful clothes and loved to dress up. She enjoyed hosting large family reunions over the summer at her camp on Caroga Lake, which the Leibl family owned for over 80+ years. She loved going to all her grandchildren's sports activities, tournaments, plays, and club events. At 80 years old, she was very honored to be the matron of honor in her granddaughter's wedding. Over the past few years, Helen faced major health challenges and over the last year was cared for at home with an amazing team of caregivers, family and friends. The family would like to thank MaryAnn, Jessica, Brittany, Monique, Frankie, and Kim Ann. A special thank you to the CNY Family Health and Hematology / Oncology of CNY. A very special thank you and blessing to her best friends, Caroline and Ed Cerasia, who were always by her side and our family's side her whole life. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024, at St. Agatha's Church, 329 N. Peterboro Street, Canastota. Burial will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413, with envelopes available at the funeral home.