Helen Gradel

Helen B. Gradel, 90, of Owego, NY, passed away at home early Sunday morning March 16, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband, Irving V. Gradel; her brothers, Joseph and Mary Wojenski, Felix and Libby Sokoloski, Edward Sokoloski; and her sister, Mary and John Charma.
Helen is survived by her three children, Teresa and Allan Wallace, Susan and Peter Giliberti, Frank Gradel and Jeanne Hillman; her grandchildren, Frances Wallace, Michelle and David O'Neill, Phil and Melissa Wallace, Stephen and Jessica Giliberti; her great grandchildren, Avery, Blake, Ren, Nathan, Logan; her several nieces and nephews.
Helen was born in Newark Valley, NY on June 2, 1934, the daughter of Frank and Bronislawa (Markowski) Sokoloski. She graduated from Newark Valley High School and began working at Holland Bros. Lumber followed by IBM. When she and her husband were blessed with children, Helen then stayed home to raise them and help work on the family farm. In her heart, she was a farmer's daughter, a farmer's wife and farmer's mother. When her kids went to school, she worked for the Farm Bureau and as an Accounting Clerk for Tioga County Department of Social Services. She enjoyed her retirement by doting on her grandchildren, who she loved very dearly.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Richards Funeral Home, Rte. 17c West, Owego, NY on Saturday March 22, 2025, from 11:00am until 12:00 Noon. A Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 Noon with Father James Muscatella of Blessed Trinity Parish officiating. Burial will follow in Gaskill Corners Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Helen can be made to Guthrie Lourdes Hospice or Blessed Trinity Parish. Please share your memories at www.RichardsFH.com