Helen Mae Piexoto

As the sun rose on the morning of January 17, 2017 Helen Mae (Bergazzi) Piexoto, at the age of 95, passed away peacefully at her residence surrounded by her family. Her family feels very blessed and gives thanks for the gift of such a remarkable mom, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother and a very trusted friend. Helen had a passion for life and was devoted to her family. She had an incredible sense of humor. Helen was born and raised in Santa Cruz, the daughter of native Santa Cruzan's Hazel and Michael Bergazzi. Helen lived her life to the fullest. She was an amazing lady who would brighten any room with her presence. She was always generous with her time and enjoyed volunteering and helping others at the Scotts Valley Senior Center. She also played Bocce Ball on the City of Scotts Valley league. She attended Branciforte Elementary and Branciforte Middle School, where her brother Roy Bergazzi was the principle for more than 30 years. She then attended Santa Cruz High and Santa Cruz Business College where she met the love of her life, Ray Piexoto. At the age of 19, Helen and Ray eloped and were married in Carson City, Nevada. Upon returning to Santa Cruz, Ray became a traveling auditor and manager for the Union Ice Company in Santa Cruz. Helen then worked for Doctors Cowden, Boldrick and Morris as a bookkeeper and office manager. In her later years she worked for Dr. Anthony Calciano and Dr. Yurick until she retired. Helen was an accomplished concert pianist. At the age of 18 she was the featured Pianist, with a 40 piece orchestra, at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Helen was a life time member of the Santa Cruz Elks Emblem Club where she went through all the chairs. She and her beloved husband Ray, enjoyed the dances and functions at the Elks, The Italian Catholic Federation and the Sons of Italy. Helen was noted for her famous apple pie. She used to laugh and say I have to make two, one for her dear son-in-law, Ed Whiting, and one for the rest of the family. Ed adored her in so many ways and he always made sure everything was perfect for her. Dinning at the Crow's nest, something she could do up until a month ago, was a favorite of hers. She loved celebrating Birthday's and special family functions there. She was fond of sitting by the window and enjoying the sunny ocean view. Helen was an exceptional cook. Her family will continue to relive the many fresh garden meals she would make from scratch. Helen and her daughter Jeanne, her daily companion, loved taking quilting classes at Judy's Sewing Center back when it was in Scotts Valley. Helen and Ray purchased a second home at Lake Comanche where her family gathered on weekends for fun water skiing in the summer and in the winter they would take day trips up to the snow. Helen and Ray took up snow skiing just to be able to spend time with their grand kids. They were the King and Queen of the bunny hill. After retirement she and her husband Ray enjoyed traveling the west coast with their travel trailer. They would take beautiful cruises to various places of the world, and for many years made Hawaii their annual vacation destination. Helen was a true friend and a joy to be around. Spending time with her family was very important to her. After her husband of 62 years passed, her family took Helen with them every year on family vacations. She especially loved going to Lake Tahoe where they stayed in a friend's lakefront home. Helen spent every day on the beach watching her grand kids and great grand kids play and water ski until it was time for the BBQ. Her family also took her to Napili Kai Beach Resort on Maui, Hawaii for many years. It used to be Helen and her husband Ray's favorite vacation spot. Helen's life was full of love and laughter. She spread positivity and smiles everywhere she went. Helen's joy, kindness and apple pies touched the hearts of everyone who knew her. Her long life with many memorable events and accomplishments truly leaves a beloved legacy for her family. Helen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne and Ed Whiting of Scotts Valley; her granddaughter Heidi Sussman; great granddaughters Maile and Sierra Sussman of Scotts Valley; grandson David Whiting (Robin); great grandsons Connor and Trevor Whiting and great granddaughter Ashly Beck (Justin); great great grandchildren Macie and Cruz Beck of Santa Cruz; Son Donald Piexoto (Patricia) of Aptos; grandsons Peter Piexoto (Elena); great grandchildren Ian, Mia and Aaron of Oregon and Patrick Piexoto (Tami); great grandchildren Tanna, Jordyn and Jami of Idaho and numerous nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her two brothers, Carl Mann of Belmont, CA, Roy Bergazzi of Santa Cruz and husband, Raymond Piexoto who passed in 2001. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 18th at Benito And Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel with a reception, in the chapel Cedar Room, immediately following. A private committal will take place at Holy Cross Mausoleum, at a further time, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Ray. In lieu of flowers, any kind acts of charity may be made in her memory to Hospice of Santa Cruz County or St. Jude Hospital for Children. If you would like to leave your prayers and condolences with her family, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.