Born Helen Ciani in Meiers Corners, she graduated from Curtis High School.
Mrs. LaFiura moved to Sunnyside in 1959 and lived there until 1991, when she relocated to Lakewood, N.J. She returned to Sunnyside in 2014 to live with her daughter, Christine LaFiura.
Primarily a homemaker, she also worked part-time for the Visiting Nurse Service of New York.
Having her family around her, especially on holidays and special occasions, brought her the greatest joy, and she was happy to be involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and her children, both abroad and throughout the United States.
Her sense of humor and quick wit made her a favorite with all who knew her, family said. She was loved and admired and will be sorely missed, they added.
Mrs. LaFiura was an active parishioner of St. Teresa's R.C. Church, Castleton Corners, for many years.
Surviving, along with her daughter, Christine, are husband of 56 years, Joseph; her sons, Joseph and Steven; her daughter, Paula Podgurski; a sister, Lena DiGregorio; 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be Thursday from the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners, with a mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Teresa's Church. Burial will follow in Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, N.J.
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