Helen Iacovelli

Iacovelli, Helen Margaret

Helen Margaret Iacovelli died February 10, 2016, in the home that she cherished, surrounded by the people that she loved.

She was born in Guelph, Ontario, Canada on September 18, 1942 to Andrew and Elizabeth (nee Ké jatti) Okros. On June 25, 1966 she was married to Orlando Iacovelli. They had a truly loving and devoted partnership in all aspects of their marriage. Together, they had a daughter Sheila (Brian) Stein of Ithaca and a son David, also of Ithaca.

Helen enjoyed making her house a home, creating beautiful gardens, and enjoying the birds and other wildlife outside her kitchen window. Her greatest joys in her life were her granddaughters, Jessica and Jennifer Stein, both serving at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, and Eleanor Iacovelli of Wilmington, North Carolina. "Gramma Helen" would spend innumerable hours with them; reading, drawing, art projects, cooking, and exploring the woods behind her house were some of their favorite activities. She was always encouraging and supportive, attending countless school and sports events. She even indulged the girls (and her husband) with allowing them to raise a multitude of farm animals, despite the detriment to her gardens.

She was predeceased by her parents and her beloved sister and brother in-law Agnes and Tom Spiegelberg as well as in-laws Joseph and Ann Iacovelli, Virginia Iacovelli and Albert and Bessie Iacovelli. In addition to her immediate family, she is also survived by her nephew Scott Spiegelberg and in-laws; James and Toni Iacovelli, Paul Iacovelli, Nancy Iacovelli, Lawrence and Trin Iacovelli, Ralph and Roxanne Iacovelli, and Virginia and Don Seacord. She will be missed by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Helen's kindness and great compassion was extended to everyone she met. Her immensely positive spirit and beautiful smile were with her to her last day. We are all heart broken to lose our wife, mother, and grandmother, but so much better for having had her in our lives.

We would like to give thanks to Dr. Garbo and the amazing group of nurses and staff at Cayuga Hematology and Oncology Associates. The time you spent caring for all of us is something we will never forget.

Graveside services will be held Saturday May 7, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the South Hill Cemetery, followed by a celebration of her life from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM at the Elks Lodge 124 Coddington Road. Bangs Funeral Home will be assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hospicare in her memory.