Obituary of Helen A. Leatzaw

Helen Ann Leatzaw passed away peacefully on April 1, 2023 at Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls, New York. She was a richly talented person, a Devoted Wife and Mother, True Friend, Talented Artist and Innovator, Caretaker, Camp Leader, Life-long Student, Dedicated Teacher, and Avid Nature Lover. She had no fear to take on any project, no matter how daunting it might appear, and give it her best. After the birth of her first son, the weight of the fact that her Grandfather, her Father, her Brother, her Brother-in-Law, and now her Husband had all served in war, motivated her to search for the truth about God and His will for humanity. In her search she found the answers that she had so earnestly been looking for. Those answers were so valuable to her that she determined that living her life according to these truths must become the guiding force in her life, and that by adhering to them she was ensuring the best future for herself and her dear family. And so, as time proved, what defined her the most was her belief in the importance of Faith and Integrity, instilled in her by her parents, and reinforced by her careful and honest study of the Bible. That determination made her the glue that kept her family together during the storms of life. One of the most beautiful qualities of our Mother is that her "glue" extended far beyond her husband and family, but to her many dear friends and to all those she saw as truly in need. Helen was born at DeGraff Hospital in North Tonawanda, New York to Douglas D. Joyce, Sr. and Helen W. Joyce. She is survived by her dear brother, Douglas D. Joyce, Jr., his wife Marion and their family. She is also survived by the family of her dear sister, Margaret Joyce Balling, now deceased. As well as her beloved cousin, Bette Joyce Smith, her husband Lloyd and their family. She is also survived by her sons: R. Allyn Leatzaw, Jr. and his wife Lou Ann; Paul Leatzaw and his wife Ivonne. Helen's daughters: Christina and her husband W. Thomas Cecil III; Jeannette and her husband Aldo Minchella. Helen's grandchildren: Joel Cecil and his wife Sophia; Hannah and her husband Anthony Sofia; Ryan Leatzaw and his wife Kiana; Jeremy Minchella; Abigail and her husband Alain Louissaint; Austin Leatzaw; Sarah Cecil; Bennett Minchella and his wife Josy; Joshua Leatzaw; Andre Minchella and his wife Murielle; and Myles Leatzaw. Her great grandchildren: Noah, Mazzaroth, Stella, Kelani, and Harper. Words cannot adequately express our most sincere gratitude to the Watkins Glen Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses for the many years of love and support to both of our parents. They both loved you all dearly. To the outstanding community of professionals whose support made it possible for Helen to live her best life in her later years- We feel indebted to you all, as you all did not just your jobs, but went above and beyond. You have all shown such personal interest, compassion, and respect. You are a treasure to your community. We would like to name some names: Shannon Slater, Schuyler County Office for the Aging Lisa Hanley, Schuyler County Department of Social Services Denise Evans, Dr. Singh and Dr. Yee, Schuyler County Primary Care Mike, her Knight in Shining Armor, and the Team at Quinlan's Pharmacy Bonnie Lane, Staff Kings Dr. DuBois and Dr. Freeman and their staff, Guthrie Hospital Dr. Edward Hall, Retina Associates of Western New York Dr. Zeng and his staff Kajla Temple and the Team at Visions Credit Union The Nursing Staff and Respiratory Specialists at Schuyler County Hospital David Zinger, Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home Helen's Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, May 13th, 2023 beginning at 1:30 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2590 NY-414, Watkins Glen, NY 14891. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to www.JW.org; when on the Home Page scroll down to "Donations" and follow the prompts. While you're on the website, please take a moment to look for the answers to the questions you care about most. Our Mom would have loved that.