Helen (Helena) Pullella

Helen (Helena) Pullella, née-Deshnik passed away at age 102 on August 14th at the Lakes of Monclova in Maumee Ohio. She was born on March 9th, 1920, to Antoni and Rozalia Deshnik of Owsianka, Poland. When Hitler invaded their homeland in 1939, the family fled their tiny village and eventually settled in Paris, France. (a neutral city during WWII). It was there in 1944 she met a dashing young man, James Leo Pullella who was serving in the U.S. Army. When the war ended he returned to his home in Toledo Ohio until Helen came by ship to the U.S. in June of 1947 whereupon the two were subsequently married on August 25th at St. Annes Church (now St. Martin de Porres).

Stubborn, tenacious, outspoken and a true survivor, Helen was a force to be reckoned with. An exceptional cook, baker, gardener and home decorator, she would have given Martha Stewart fierce competition! With limited formal schooling, she spoke three languages fluently: Polish, French and English.

In addition to her parents and multiple younger siblings, Helena was preceded in death by her husband James Leo Pullella. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann Pullella-Hansen, grandchildren Stephan James and Eva Louise and great granddaughter Za'Kaylah.

The family will receive guests Wednesday, August 24, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Newcomer - West Sylvania Chapel,3655 King Road (419-392-9500).Funeral Services will begin Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you honor her memory by making donations to www.racingforrecovery.org.

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