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Helen Pugh Obituary
The world lost an eternal optimist Monday with the passing of Helen Pedersen (nie: Leach) Pugh. Helen was born in Tuolumne, CA to Gladys Zumwalt and Christian Edward Pedersen, spending her youth in Berkeley, CA and attending UC Berkeley. She married D. Gordon Leach and they share four children. Helen and Gordon moved to Arizona in 1958, settling in Scottsdale, and their marriage ended after 19 years. Several years later, Helen married Howard B. Pugh. They spent 30 fun-filled years traveling and following their personal pursuits, which for Helen included involvement with her real estate practice and mentoring other agents, business consulting, writing and spending time with family and her many friends in the U.S. and abroad. Helen was an active community leader, involved in organizations such as the Phoenix Rotary 100, the Rotary Club of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley Toastmasters Club and Cactus Wren Republican Women, just to name a few. Helen was predeceased by her parents, husband Howard and granddaughter Nicole. She is survived by her four children: Catherine Collier (Doug), Steve Leach (Jacquie), Matt Leach (Kim), Ginnie Schmitt (Tim), 11 grandchildren: Adam and Christine Collier; Brandon Leach; Amanda, Spencer, Christian, Ann and Henry Leach; Michael, Julia and James Schmitt, one great-grandson, Julian, and a sister, Leah Haygood. A celebration of Helen's life will be held Friday, April 15, 10:30 a.m. at Scottsdale Bible Chapel, 7901 E. Shea Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arizona Cancer Center, http://www.azcc.arizona.edu/giving/how. Arrangements by Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, Scottsdale.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Pugh
Sponsored by Cathy, Steve, Matt & Ginnie.
John Meeks
January 27, 2016
I moved to Palm Springs in 2007 and was planning a return next month to Scottsdale. I wanted to meet with Helen and update her. She was very special to me. She was our outstanding Toastmaster President and terrific friend. She always kind, gracious, competent and a leader in business networking. I wanted tell her how much she meant to me and how I missed her. I want to thank Cathy,Steve, Matt & Ginnie for keeping this Guest Book online permanently allowing me to express my condolences for the loss of their wonderful mother that I am just learning after nearly 5 years.
Karen Slutman Carlsen
December 14, 2013
I lost touch with my godmother Helen several years ago, and now I know why. We usually were only in touch around the holidays, but I never felt like we were very far away. Now, I know she is still there watching over the many people she loved and who were lucky enough to have her in their lives. I hope time has given her family some peace.
Lynne Shapiro
May 8, 2012
Time has gone by.....since Helen has passed away...and now I received an
e-mail today....stating that the Guest Book will not be on line any more after May 13, 2012...so one fond last good bye to a most gracious and wonderful woman and friend. I will always remember you dear Helen and the times that we spent together and our friendship. You will always be in my thoughts....and hopefully you are smiling down at me...every time I do a real estate transaction...that I am doing things the right way..the way you would have done them.
kesh a
March 16, 2012
I just came to know about Helen's passing. Some people you meet once in your life yet they leave an impression that stays with you forever. She is one of them.
God bless her soul.
Kesh
June 12, 2011
I just found out today from a fellow real estate agent that my dear sweet friend Helen Pugh passed away. Helen was always so genuine and caring. When my only child Nicklaus passed away in 2009 Helen always had words of comfort for me...we would have long chats and I so enjoyed her company! I will miss you Helen but I know you are now in Paradise with our dear Lord.
Antoinette Metzger-Hrudka
Jeff Haebig
May 5, 2011
Helen and I sipped coffee after Toastmasters talking enthusiastically about life. She greatly inspired me.
Larry James
April 27, 2011
"When you lose a loved one... you gain an angel whose name you know." - Oprah Winfrey.
Rest in peace, sweet angel.
Lynne Shapiro
April 27, 2011
Helen was one of the most gracious ladies I have ever known. We met back in 1990 at John Hall and Associates where we were both Realtors and became friends. I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Helen's sudden passing. I will miss her smile and her caring way. The real estate community in Arizona has lost a treasured and valuable member. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
Lynne A Shapiro,PC,BA,CMPS,CRS,GRI/ West USA Realty
April 23, 2011
Helen you were so graceful, elegant , caring and kind. You helped my daughter Katie achieve her singing goals, you helped me with so many things and we had many laughs together. It's difficult to realize you are gone. You are so deserving to be in the Lords presence and I know Helen you are now living with Jesus in eternal peace with joy and laughter. To her family who misses her dearly, you were truly blessed to have her as a Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and everything she could be for you. Helen our family will miss you and may God continue to watch over you and bless you. We will always love you!!!
Jay Wick and family
Teresa Cole
April 22, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Helen was a great lady! I will always remember her smile and her wonderful advice.
Denise Storace Blaskovic
April 19, 2011
We were so sorry to hear about Helen. Treasured memories never fade, they grow more deep of those we loved and could not keep. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and and your family.
M. Kameron Hawkins
April 16, 2011
Helen what a lady and a great friend. We met in 1988, I was just out of the Navy and starting my first business and we hit it off. She opened my eyes to a greater world of assisting others with their passions. Her love and care for others was so easy to see for me. "Howard, your dance partner is back. Boy, did she miss you old friend." I am proud to say Helen Pugh was my closes friend. I will miss my friend. M. Kameron Hawkins -
Jacquie Leach
April 14, 2011
I’ll always remember you for your beauty, grace, elegance, warmth and for being the most eccentric lady I know! You welcomed me in to your family, you made me laugh, smile and then laugh even more. I’ll never forget your emotional support when we lost Nikki. And every time I think about you wearing your black, velvet pants with the word ‘juicy’ in rhinestones across your bum, I’ll smile and laugh and feel blessed that you were part of my life.
Dieter Bollmann
April 14, 2011
I was introduced to Helen by Dr. Bernard Otremba-Blanc 10 years ago and we immediately took a liking to each other's work practice as we both considered ourselves global citizens and wanted to support newcomers to Arizona wherever they came from. Later we enjoyed supporting each other's social projects as Helen had a deeply rooted compassion for those among us who have been struck by unfortuate events. In Helen we have lost a pillar of our community, however in her spirit we have gained a spark that will last forever.
Nancy Halls
April 14, 2011
Today we celebrate a life lost, yet rest knowing Helen has the victory in Christ Jesus - you will be missed my dear and loving friend. Love you - Nancy Halls
Board of Visitors Ball, 2009
April 13, 2011
We are most grateful to our mom not only for the gift of life, but for giving us to each other.
Cathy - Steve - Matt - Ginnie
Save us a seat in Heaven!
Joey Sampaga
April 13, 2011
Helen was always quick to make people feel welcomed. She was always the person to GIVE FIRST. Her generosity, kindness, and charisma will always be remembered. For those who don't know Helen well, she had a great relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ! As much as I am going to miss her, I know that we will see each other again in Heaven! I am gonna miss you, Helen, and I love ya! ~ Take Care & God Bless
carolyn leff
April 13, 2011
You will be missed. Love you lots!!! Hugs and kisses in heaven.
Erica S
April 13, 2011
May the Angels take you under their wings and carry you to peace, love and eternal hapiness.
Love you Helen!
Helen, Matt, Cathy, Ginnie and Steve
April 13, 2011
Helen and her family
April 13, 2011
Anita Gorecky
April 13, 2011
When I first arrived in Phx in 1995, Helen took me under her protective wing & became a 'stand in Mom'/Best friend/Mentor. She was always available with prudent, positive advice to guide me over some of the obstacles I faced moving from Toronto to open a Fashion Business in Scottsdale.
I know Helen touched many lives with her gracious spirit & she certainly touched mine with her love & warmth!! I am grateful to have had the honor & privilege to have had Helen in my life. Anita Gorecky (Toronto,CAN & Scottsdale, AZ)
April 13, 2011
My deepest sympathies for Helen's family. She was a "light" in Paradise Valley toastmasters and she mentored all of us. We will truly miss her and will keep her memory in our hearts forever.
Peggy Bergan
April 13, 2011
Helen taught me that women can do anything and everything they want to do. She never saw limits as to our abilities to get things done. Helen inspired me to reach further every day.
Jon Shawl
April 13, 2011
Helen gave much time and effort to the University of California Alumni Association here in AZ as well as in Berkeley. For this the "Desert Bears" owe her a debt of gratitude.
Linda Hall
April 13, 2011
Helen was such a warm and loving friend, and stand in mom for me! She will be missed!
Suzanne Muusers
April 13, 2011
Helen touched many lives with her gracious spirit. She will be missed.
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
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