Helen Pianin Passell

New Mexico-

Helen Pianin Passell passed away peacefully in the early evening of Saturday, Feb. 3, in Bernalillo, N.M. She was 99 years old, and would have been 100 on March 23. 

Helen was the daughter of Rachel Schulman Pianin and Abe Pianin, who immigrated to Youngstown from what is now Belarus in the early 1900s. She was the sister to Bette Pianin Sasmor who passed away in 2015, wife to Jules Passell who passed away in 1997, mother to Howard Passell who lives in Bernalillo with his wife Susan Byo Passell, and grandmother to Julia Zia Passell who lives in Bernalillo. 

Helen lived all her life in Youngstown, except for 2 years during World War II when she worked in Washington DC. She graduated with honors from Rayen High School. She grew up surrounded by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom were very close, and who gathered regularly, and especially at holidays. 

She and her parents were foundational members of what was first Temple Emanuel, and which then became what is currently Temple El Emeth. Throughout her life Helen was an active member in Ezra Sisterhood and Bnai Brith, an organizer or participant in countless synagogue service-related activities, and for 45 years she ran the Temple El Emeth Judaica and gift store.  

In recent years Helen was living contentedly at Levy Gardens, an assisted living facility in Youngstown, where she enjoyed loving friendships and an active social life with many others. In Dec., 2023, her health declined and she moved to Bernalillo to be closer to her son and family. 

A funeral service will be held at 10:00am, Thursday, February 8th in Itt's Memorial Chapel, Anshe Emeth Cemetery on Granada Avenue where she will be buried next to her husband Jules Passell. 

Anyone who wishes can make donations in her honor to Temple El Emeth or the Jewish Federation in Youngstown.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Shriver-Allison-Courtley-Weller-King Funeral Home.

Friends and family may view this obituary and share memories and condolences at www.shriverallisoncourtleyfuneral home.com.

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