Helen Paxhia passed away peacefully on May 24, 2010 in Puyallup, Washington at the age of 94, one month short of her birthday.
Helen was born July 8, 1915 in Rochester, New York to Vincent and Nicoletta Volpe the third of five children. She was a long-time resident of Seattle, Vashon Island and her final days in Puyallup. She worked her entire life beginning in 1940 as a welder and a model supporting the war effort. Later as a home maker and buyer for a Rochester department store.
In the early 60’s she turned her hobby of collecting antiques into her first business with an antique shop on Royal Street, New Orleans, LA. Her husband worked for Boeing and when he was transferred to Seattle in 1965 she moved her antique shop to “Seattle’s Pioneer Square” on the corner of Main and Occidental Streets. The shop called L’Accent was one of the first renovations in the area, and she proudly watched the area grow.
She was a long time member of the Washington Athletic Club, The Assistance League of Seattle, Saint Benedicts of Seattle and her last parish Saint John Vianney of Vashon WA. She enjoyed visiting, with family and friends, taking care of her grandchildren and gardening. Helen talked often of her grade school, Number 25 in School in Rochester and last visited there in 2005.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Alfonso (Al) Paxhia. She is survived by her older brother Jim Volpe and her younger brother Sam Volpe, her son Alan Paxhia, grandchildren Michael, Lisa, Paul and Susan, great-grandchildren Ciara, Andrew, Shasta, Shiloh, Kea, Nicoletta, and Sophia, extended family members, friends and neighbors.
Her last days were spent at the Clare Bridge Care Center and we give her caregivers our special thanks. Helens’ greatest love was her family and we will miss her dearly.
A graveside service was held on June 1st at Holyrood Cemetery, 205 NE 205th street, Shoreline, WA 98155 and a wake to celebrate her life followed. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Vashon Island Pet Protection, P.O. Box 245, Vashon, WA 98070 are suggested. Arrangements by Hill Funeral Home in Puyallup, 253-845-1172.
(Paid obituary)
