Leila Massoud Duxbury

Leila Massoud Duxbury, age 58, passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side, Tuesday, December 27, 2022, following a courageous 11-year battle with colorectal cancer.

She was born July 10, 1964, in Bakarzala, Lebanon, to George and Jamel (Asmar) Massoud. Leila was a graduate of Proctor High School. She was married to the late Wayne Redmond before wedding Robert Duxbury in 2002.

Leila worked at Barady’s Bakery, before proudly starting Massoud’s Cafe in 2001, with her sisters Kamleh Kennerknecht and Jamel Sheehan, where she exhibited her excellent culinary and hospitality skills.

Leila truly enjoyed life to the fullest, and sought out fun and joy with friends and family; she especially enjoyed spending time with her six grandchildren, Natalie and Tom Goodelle, Haley and Eliana Duxbury, Colton Molnar, and Audrey Militano.

Leila was happiest cooking for friends and family and inviting them over to enjoy the many delicious Lebanese and Italian specialties she created. She also loved dancing the night away to live music, especially wherever her favorite band, Showtime, was playing. Leila thrived on traveling to new places, cultivating new experiences, and—as an avid shopper—she enjoyed finding a great bargain. She delighted in sunshine, warm weather, and the beautiful outdoors — just like her mother.

Leila was a leader, and an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Always upbeat and happy, Leila had a smile for everyone and flourished most when conjuring up new ways to enjoy life.

Leila is survived by her loving husband Robert; her two daughters and their families, Amanda (Redmond) and Matthew Molnar and Lauren (Redmond) and Rocco Militano; Nicole (Duxbury) and Andrew Goodelle and and Michael and Elizabeth (Mance) Duxbury; her brothers and their spouses Tansa Massoud and Erica Shames; George and Christine Massoud; John and Minora Massoud (deceased); Kamleh and Eric Kennerknecht; Jouana and Chris Huston; Jamel and Anthony Sheehan and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Jamel (Asmar) Massoud.

Leila also leaves behind many good friends especially her lifelong friend Darlene (Noti) Kelly.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Friday, December 30, 2022, from 4-7 pm at The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home, 1122 Culver Ave, Utica. Her Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be on Saturday, December 31,2022 at 11am at St. Louis Gonzaga Church celebrated by the Rev. Boutros El Hachem. Private interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

The family is especially appreciative and grateful to Leila’s husband Robert for his many years of love, support, and care, for her daughter-in-law Elizabeth Duxbury DNP, who cared for Leila in her final days, and the excellent medical care provided to Leila by Dr. Atul Butala and his staff at MVHS.