Helen Babicz

Helen Babicz of Liberty, NY—a retired landlord and longtime area resident—passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. She was 96.

Born on January 28, 1930, in New York City, Helen was the beloved daughter of the late William and Mary Ortiz Quinones.

As a young woman, Helen worked side by side with her husband in her in-laws’ grocery store in Elmont, Long Island. With determination and entrepreneurial spirit, the couple later opened their own real estate office in East Islip, Long Island where they enjoyed many successful years as brokers.

In 1976, Helen and her family moved to Liberty, where they became well-known and respected landlords of a 24-apartment complex.

Deeply committed to her community, Helen was a longtime member of the Liberty Volunteer Ambulance Corps, eventually serving as its President. She also dedicated many years as an instructor for the American Red Cross, teaching CPR to both English- and Spanish-speaking students.

Helen found her greatest joy in spending time with her family. She also loved traveling and expressed her creativity through crocheting.

She is survived by her loving children: daughters Jo-Ann Yaun and her husband Charles of Liberty, NY; Janet Donaldson of Portland, OR; and Jerilyn Otto and her husband Chris of La Verne, CA; and sons Joseph S. Babicz, Jr. and Linda M. Babicz of Youngsville, NY; John Babicz and his wife Amy of Pine Bush, NY; James Babicz and his wife Lorie of Huntsville, AL; and Jeffrey Babicz and his wife Nadine of Newburgh, NY. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph S. Babicz, Sr., in 1999; her brother William Quinn in 1997; her brother Richard Quinones in 2007; and her son-in-law, Guy D. Donaldson, in 2007.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Harris Funeral Home, West Street at Buckley, Liberty, NY.

Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM at the funeral home, with Pastor Janet Hessinger officiating.

Burial will take place at Sullivan County Veterans Cemetery on Sunset Lake Road in Liberty, NY.

Memorial contributions in Helen’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Mid-Hudson Chapter, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 103, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-4027, or to the American Red Cross, 33 Lakewood Avenue, Monticello, NY 12701.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Harris Funeral Home, West Street at Buckley, Liberty, NY. For more information, please call 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200, or visit www.harris-fh.com.