Helen M. Deibel

Helen M. Deibel passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026. She was born in Akron on August 25, 1937, to Anna and Angelo Kicelemos.

Helen and her beloved husband, John, shared 63 wonderful years of marriage.Helen had a deep love for her Catholic faith, to which she was called in 1958. She attended college while working at Carter-Jones. Over the years, she devoted herself to teaching in several Catholic schools, including St. Vincent in Akron, St. Paul’s in Michigan, Christ the King in Akron, and St. Augustine in Barberton.

Helen later left her career to focus on raising her family, a role she cherished most. She remained deeply involved in her community, volunteering at B.C.H., the Community Pregnancy Center, St. Augustine Church where she taught P.S.R. classes, and the Pleasant View Nursing Home gift shop.

After her children were grown, Helen returned to the workforce as an office manager at Akro Corp and later as an administrative assistant and receptionist at Malco Corp. She eventually joined her husband’s law firm, where she worked until her retirement in 2010.

Helen had a love of travel, with her favorite trip being a visit to Italy alongside friends from her church. She and John, along with dear friends Jim and Cathy Carpenter, enjoyed many memorable trips and cruises together. In her quieter moments, Helen was an avid reader and enjoyed working on puzzles. For 25 years, she faithfully made a holy hour with her Lord. Helen was a member of St. Francis de Sales Parish.

Helen was preceded in death by her father, Angelo Kicelemos; niece, Patricia Meredith; her stepfather, C.R. Reiter; her mother, Anna Reiter; her sister, Mary Schell; and her brother, Phillip Kicelemos.

She is survived by her devoted husband, John; her son, Steve (Christina) of Mogadore; her daughter, Jackie Deibel of Atlanta, Georgia; and her daughter, Jan Grau (Eric) of Ft. Thomas, Kentucky. Helen dearly loved her grandchildren—Matthew, Natalie, and David Deibel, and Sam, Grace, and Lillian Grau—as well as her many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Pleasant View Assisted Living and Summa Health Hospice Care for their compassionate care and kindness.

Helen's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 4019 Manchester Rd., Akron. Calling Hours will be held One Hour Prior to the Mass at the Church. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Embrace Clinic, (formerly the Community Pregnancy Center in Barberton) 180-1st St. NW., Barberton, OH 44203 or to a charity of your choice.