Obituary of Helen G. Puccetti

Helen Grace Puccetti (nee Wise), of Chatham., NJ, died peacefully at home on Thursday, August 29, 2019 with her family at her side. She was 91.

Helen was born in Canton, OH on April 14, 1928 to the late Kathryn and John Wise. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, and her master’s degree from Southern Oregon College in Ashland, OR. Helen was an elementary school teacher for 36 years, specializing in grammar. She taught in Catholic schools in Mississippi and California, and Sacred Heart School in Medford, OR. Helen loved teaching and was especially proud of teaching 60 second grade students in one class during her career. She retired from the Phoenix-Talent OR district in 1989.

Helen married Victor Francis Puccetti on September 26, 1950 at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. The couple lived in several states throughout the US, notably Oregon, throughout her husband’s career in the US Air Force. In Oregon, she took part in organic farming before the movement even existed and made beautiful clothing for her own children. Helen was devoted to her family and was a devout Catholic, praying the rosary daily for most of her life. She was an active member of the Opera Guild, Catholic Daughters of America, Legion of Mary, and the Birthright Clinic. Helen was also an avid reader.

Helen is predeceased by her beloved husband, Victor Francis Puccetti, and her three sisters. She is survived by two daughters, Catherine Gooley and her husband, Patrick of Hampton, VA and Patricia “Pip” Donohoe and her husband, Thomas of Chatham, NJ; and four cherished grandchildren, Andrew, Theresa, Peter and John.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 8:30 AM on Monday, September 9, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 517 W 10th St, Medford, OR. Interment will follow at the Eagle Point National Cemetery, Eagle Point, OR at 11:00 am. For notes of condolence to the family, please visit www.madisonmemorialhome.com