Helen Delaney, 89, passed away on Monday, December 17, with family by her side. A lifetime resident of Syracuse, she was one of 12 children born to her parents, the late Angelina Passarella and John DeSocio. In 1945, she married the late Earl J. Kuhles, and they became parents to seven handsome boys and two beautiful girls. Earl passed away in 1964. Helen married Gilbert O. Delaney on St. Patrick's Day 1966. She was known for her steady energy and extraordinary ability to juggle husband, nine children, homemaking and occasional work as a banquet waitress. Helen loved good food and drink and music, especially polka on Sunday mornings while she was making the pasta. She was an avid SU sports fan and loved her Sunday football. Her life was filled with both great joy and deep sorrow, with her faith in God ever strong. To Helen, her family was everything. To her family, Helen was everything. She was predeceased by her husband Earl; three sons, Daniel, David and Dean; three sisters, Angie, Jenny and Nancy; five brothers, Joe, Butch, Albert, Mike and John; and four grandchildren, Jessica, Donnie J., Nicole and Stephanie. She is survived by her husband, Gilbert Delaney; four sons, Dennis (Cathy) of Florida, Douglas (Cathy) of Texas, Donald of Texas and Darryl (Jeannine) of Syracuse; two daughters, Darlene Jackie (Robert) Clary of Camillus and Deborah (Robert) Tolone of Lakeland; two sisters, Molly and Dolores; and one brother, Edward. Helen was also blessed with 17 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her family, extended family and circle of dear friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Drive, Syracuse, NY, on Friday, December 21, at 10 a.m., with a private burial in Assumption Cemetery. Calling hours will be Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Whelan Bros. & Hulchanski Funeral Home. Contributions may be made in Helen's name to Meals on Wheels of Syracuse, 300 Burt Street, Syracuse, NY 13202.

Published in Syracuse Post Standard from December 18 to December 19, 2012