Helen Kerxhalli

HOLDEN - Helen Elaine (Joseph) Kerxhalli passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on February 20. Born to Albanian immigrants Christo and Pauline (Ligori) Joseph, Helen grew up in South Boston in a family of 10 children. As the eldest daughter, she helped her parents raise her younger siblings and worked in the family market, K & 8th Street, in Southie. The Josephs weathered the great depression and the family business became a neighborhood favorite.

Helen and Duke met at a church picnic, and it was love at first sight. From that point on, Duke would make the trek from Worcester out to Southie to visit and court her, while winning over her parents in the process. After three months, they were engaged and six, they were married. They first lived in Worcester and then settled in Holden where they lived for the next 60 years.

Helen was a trailblazer for her time. Although she was mainly a homemaker while her children were young, she embarked on a successful 30-year career in the early 70's as one the area's premier "Avon Ladies." She was a natural at sales but did it in a way that fostered great friendships with many of Holden's residents.

Together, Helen and Duke were fortunate to enjoy many wonderful vacations, including trips to Albania, Germany, Romania, Hawaii, various Caribbean islands, and their favorite - Aruba, which they visited at least 30 times. They also enjoyed staying at the family "cottage" in Plymouth, built by her parents in the late 50's.

Cooking was one of Helen's trademarks. Trained by two masters of Albanian cooking, (her mother, Pauline, and mother-in-law, Olga) she too became a master and was famous for many Albanian dishes, including Lakror, which was truly a labor of love requiring hours of kneading and rolling for her homemade filo dough and her famous carefully finished edges.

Helen was also known for her green thumb, which included many geraniums and all kinds of perennials. Her love of flowers could be seen throughout their front and back yards, with cuttings contributing to many friend and family gardens. If you were outside playing ball and knocked the head off one of her germaniums, you would hear about it!
She was an expert with the needle, constructing homemade clothing for herself, her siblings and eventually children and grandchildren. Her cozy Afghan blankets, baby blankets, and embroidered creations have become cherished pieces in the homes of all who loved her.

In short, Helen's legacy lives on through her many talents, from the meals she lovingly prepared to the gardens she nurtured and the creations she meticulously crafted, leaving a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to experience her artistry and care.
Of all the loves in her life, Helen's husband Duke, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were at the very top. "Nana" was fortunate to have us all living close by, as we all were to have her. She spent more than seventy years showering love and care on everyone, and when it was our turn, we had the privilege of giving her the same. Debbie and Paul feel blessed to have shared their home with Duke and Helen in their final years. The love was ever overflowing.

She leaves her three children - Jim, Deborah (Creedon) (and her husband Paul), Tom (and his wife Karen), 7 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. She also leaves brother George and sisters Virginia, Theresa, Lillian, Linda, and Betsy. She was predeceased by the love of her life and husband of 66 years, Dukagjin, along with her brothers John, Mike, and Ted.

Finally, the family is deeply grateful to the dedicated home care providers - Betsy, Kathy, Melissa, Catherine, Judy, and Maryellen - who lovingly cared for our Nani with such devotion.

Calling hours will be held at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden on Thursday, February 27 from 5-7 pm. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Friday, February 28 at St. Mary's Albanian Assumption Church in Worcester. Burial at Hope Cemetery in Worcester will follow immediately after funeral services.

If you wish to remember Helen, donations may be made in her name to Alzheimer's Association online at http://www.alzheimersprevention.org/ or by mail to 320 Nevada St. Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460; or to a charity of your choice.

To share a memory or offer an online condolence please visit her Tribute Wall on this page.

MAY HER MEMORY BE ETERNAL!