Gladys (Oczkowski) Handzel

Gladys (Laddie) Handzel, 93, of Camillus, passed away Sunday evening at her home surrounded by her loving family. Gladys was born and raised in Utica, NY by her parents Joseph and Stephanie Oczkowski. She graduated from Utica Free Academy and married her childhood sweetheart, Stanley J. Handzel, in 1951 and two years later they moved to the Camillus area where they lovingly raised their eight children. Gladys was a communicant of Holy Family Church and was involved with several organizations within the church. She was also a volunteer for ECHO Meals on Wheels. Gladys enjoyed baking, cooking, gardening, and camping but most of all, loved spending time with her family.

Gladys was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Stanley J. Handzel; her beloved son, Michael S. Handzel, Sr.; her parents, Joseph and Stephanie Oczkowski; her sister, Jane Guglielmo; and brothers, Edward and Walter Oczkowski.

Surviving are her children, Lynne (Richard) Werner, Robert (Donna), Mark (Janet), Thomas (Endang), Susan (Bruce) Ecker, Nancy, and Caren (Walt) Albertina; daughter in law, Linda J. Handzel; her grandchildren, Jen, Rob, Alex, Thomas, Sarah, Stephanie, Michael, Ben, Stephanie, Joseph, Jane, Gretchen and Derek; and 15 great-grandchildren. Gladys is also survived by her sister, Virginia Oczkowski of Utica; and her brother, Joseph Oczkowski of Deerfield.

Relatives and friends may call Friday, April 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 9 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Church.

Gladys will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Cemetery in Warners. The family would like to express their appreciation for the love and care she received from her caregivers over the last few years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Family Church Food Pantry, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse, NY 13219.