Beloved Matriarch Helen B. Fabrizi Passes Away at 98

Helen B. Fabrizi, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on the evening of August 16, 2025, at the age of 98. She had been residing at Sunnyside Care Center in East Syracuse for the past two years. Known for her warmth and kindness, Helen left an indelible mark on the lives of those around her.

Born on June 20, 1927, in Canastota, New York, Helen was the daughter of Salvatore and Irene Teller Bonaventura. A lifelong resident of Canastota, she graduated from Canastota Central School in the Class of 1945. Helen married Guerino Fabrizi at St. Agatha’s Church on June 19, 1948. Her husband passed away on July 20, 1988, leaving behind a legacy of love and family.

Career and Community Involvement

Before her retirement, Helen dedicated 44 years to her role as a bank teller at Key Bank. Following her retirement, she devoted 18 years to volunteering as a teacher’s aide at South Side Elementary School in Canastota. Her commitment to education and community service was evident in her interactions with both students and colleagues.

A woman of diverse interests, Helen enjoyed challenging her mind with crossword puzzles and was a dedicated viewer of the game show Jeopardy. Her love for sports was evident in her unwavering support for the New York Yankees. Helen also enjoyed shopping and was actively involved in the Community Players Theatre.

Family and Legacy

Helen is survived by her daughter, Debra Norwalk and her partner, Walt Ulrich, of Canastota; her son, Dennis Fabrizi and his wife, Susanne, of Rochester; and four grandchildren: Sara Buske (Ian Berry), Kate Norwalk (Mark Brennan), Thomas Fabrizi, and Alexis Fabrizi. Additionally, she is survived by her great-grandson, Daniel Buske, two brothers, Joseph Bonaventura (Leona) of Cherry Valley, California, and Harold Bonaventura of Canastota, along with a sister-in-law, Joanne Fabrizi of Lysander, and a special friend and caregiver, Linda Steffan of Canastota.

Preceding her in death were three sisters: Dorothy Pugliano, Carol Robotham (George), and Betty Carroll, as well as her brother, Salvatore Bonaventura, and son-in-law, Daniel Norwalk.

Graveside services for Helen B. Fabrizi will be held at 11:30 AM on August 23, 2025, at St. Agatha’s Cemetery. There will be no prior services. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Wanderer’s Rest Humane Association, P.O. Box 535, Canastota, NY 13032. Funeral arrangements are managed by the Campbell-Dean Funeral Home, Inc., located at 300 S. Peterboro Street, Canastota.

For those wishing to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.campbell-dean.com.