Helen T. Paes

Helen T. Paes, 74, passed away on April 28 in Westerville after a lengthy illness. She lived in the Valley most of her lifetime, and moved to the Columbus area in the last year to be closer to family.

Helen was born in Youngstown on April 5, 1950, to Martin F. and Eileen (Elwood) Paes, the youngest of three children. She is preceded in death by a sister, Maureen, and brother Marty. 

She graduated from Youngstown Cardinal Mooney with the Class of 1968 and earned a bachelor of science degree in communication from Ohio University in 1972.

Helen began her career at WIZE Radio in Springfield, Ohio, and returned to Youngstown to continue her career as News Director at WBBW in 1974. She continued her vast career in communications at WFMJ, PBS Television channels 45/49; public affairs coordinator at the Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac Group in Lordstown; director of community affairs at The Vindicator;  vice president of public relations & external alliances and business services for the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber; development coordinator at The Rich Center for Autism; and eventually retiring  as the development and media coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater East Ohio Area Chapter. 

Helen was heavily involved in the community serving on many boards and committees with organizations such as the Beatitude House, International Institute Foundation, Leadership Youngstown (now Leadership Mahoning Valley), United Way, the American Red Cross, Hospice of the Valley, among many others. She especially enjoyed her time as a member, active committee member and past vice president of the Junior League. Additionally, she was a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and many professional organizations throughout her career. 

She was proud of her Irish heritage and was honored as “Lord Mayor of Kilkenny” for the Youngstown St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee in 2006. 

Helen was named as the YWCA’s Women of the Year in Business in 1988. 

In 1990, she was the first woman in the Mahoning Valley to receive the ATHENA Award, which is presented to professional women for career accomplishments, community leadership and mentorship of other professional women. 

Helen is survived by her nephews,  John Paes and his wife Hope of Westerville, Ohio;  Chris Paes and his wife Laura of Evans, Georgia, and niece Beth (Paes) McCollam and her husband Sean, also of Westerville; and sister-in-law Dianne Paes of Canfield.  Helen leaves six great nieces and nephews including Aubrey and Ryan Paes, Elijah and Jacob Paes, and Norah and Andrew McCollam.  Survivors also include an uncle, Donald Paes and a cousin, Mr. John (Jack) Elwood III of Katy, Texas. 

Family and friends may pay their respects Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 8:30 -9:45 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, 2726 Center Road (224). A Mass of Christian Burial will follow beginning at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown, 10143 Main Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Beatitude House, Hospice House, or another deserving local charity.