Obituary of Jill Niles

Jacqueline (Jill) Heintz Niles

1943 - 2023

Oneida – Jacqueline (Jill) Heintz Niles, 80, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

     Jill graduated from Oneida High School in 1960 with a Regents Diploma. She worked at Griffiss Air Force Base (1960-61). She then became a mother of three and later worked in the Oneida Hospital finance department for over twenty years. Over the years, Jill found time to be a Brownie Leader, Den Mother, Folk Mass Director, was involved in the Altar and Rosary Society, and Catholic Daughters of America. She served with her husband, Deacon El, at St. Patrick’s, Holy Family, and St. Helena’s churches. She served on the Board of Directors of The Hazel Carpenter Home as Secretary of finance and was a member of The Columbian Club in Oneida.

     Jill was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest pleasure was her family, watching her children and grandchildren grow. It all began when Jill & El met as kids ice skating on the “back set” in Sylvan Beach, NY. Jill would often say, “How could you love someone you just met?” Well, she did, it was 1956 and his name was Elbert “El” Niles. They were married September 16, 1961. She always said her children were a gift and her grandchildren were a blessing. Her children Wendy (Ken) Olson, Wayne Niles, Chris Niles, and his partner Carey Hawelka, all miss her dearly. Jill’s three granddaughters were her everything. She had nicknames for each of them, Mattie (Angel Bear), Tida (Princess), and Ella (Cinderella). They called her Babaya.  One of Jill’s final thoughts to her family and friends was, “Life ends, love doesn’t. If kisses were snowflakes, I’d send you all a blizzard.” Jill passed away during a Nor’easter blizzard.

     Jill never hesitated to put the needs of others before her own. She consistently displayed hope, tenacity, compassion, and love. These qualities were evident in some of her favorite sayings, such as, “I love you to the moon and back,” “Those who deserve love the least, need it the most,” and “Become a giver, it will greatly improve your life.”

     Jill leaves her twin brother, Jack (Yolanda) Heintz, her brother Gerry (Evelyn) Heintz, twenty-five nieces and nephews, thirty-six Godchildren, and countless beloved friends. She was predeceased by her sisters, Carol (Eddie) McCarthy and Lynda (John) Edwards, a nephew, Joseph (Joey) Edwards, and her parents Joseph and Viola Heintz. 

     Mrs. Niles Memorial Mass will be held on July 11, 2023 at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Verona Beach, NY at 10:30am where her Mass of Christian Burial will take place. Per Jill’s request there will be no calling hours. Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Utica will take place at a later date.  A reception will immediately follow at Harpoon Eddies in Sylvan Beach. Memorial contributions may be made in Jill’s memory to the Spirit of Hope Catholic Community, Central Office, 121 St. Joseph Pl. Oneida, NY 13421.

     Funeral arrangements are entrusted to her cousins at R.P. Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., 10 East Park Row, Clinton, NY.  Online memorial and guestbook available at www.rpheintzfsi.com.