Helen Elizabeth Wilson Hill

Helen Elizabeth Wilson Hill, of Piedmont, CA, left this world peacefully on November 11, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. There will be a celebration of her life at Piedmont Community Church on Saturday, November 22 at 11 AM, followed by a reception in the Guild Hall. Helen courageously battled cancer with a gracious and positive attitude. She was a true inspiration to all those who knew her. Helen was born on Woodside Farm in Friendship, Maryland, April 24, 1944 to Leona and Oswald Wilson. After graduating from Southern High School, Helen lived in New York City and attended Grace Downs Airline School. She traveled the world as a flight attendant for Saturn Airways from 1963 to 1970. Her years in the "friendly skies" cultivated her high spirit of adventure that stayed with her for a lifetime. Helen married Marvin Hill on October 10, 1970 and they moved to Piedmont in 1975. Together they managed Hill's Shoes in Oakland, a store opened by the Hill family in 1931. Most recently, Helen enjoyed working part time at Folks' Art on Piedmont Ave. Helen and Marv were active members of the Sorry Safari Touring Society MG Motoring Club, traveling the back roads of California in their 1953 MG TD and cultivating deep friendships within the club. They also enjoyed many trips to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, spending time at their cabin in Downieville, CA. Helen was a devoted member of Piedmont Community Church for 40 years, actively participating and volunteering in many fellowship events. Helen collected antiques and delighted in finding treasures where ever she went! She was loved by many for her low-key practical approach and appreciation for life, her humor and ever-optimistic attitude. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Marvin, her parents and a sister, Rosalie Carr Wilson. She is survived by her daughter Michelle Elizabeth Hill Maughan and husband Chris; Step children Robert Hill and Lisa Hill Arnett and husband Robert, and their children, Lena and Cameron Arnett; her brothers Oswald Wilson and James Compton Wilson and wife, Renee; several devoted nieces and a nephew; and an enormous circle of friends and neighbors. Burial will take place at a graveside service in the Cemetery of St. James' Church, her family's parish, in Lothian Maryland, at a later date.