Helen A. Camilli

HELEN ANN CAMILLI (Lexa)

80 years young, Passed away in her home on 9/17/24; Woodhaven, MI She was born to Charles F, and Helen Ann Lexa (Mihel) on May 24, 1944 in Racine, WI

Helen graduated from Horlick High School. She worked at National Steel; Great Lakes Steel division from 8/1973, retiring in 8/2003. Helen was the first Female Electrician at the mill; in 1985.

She was known for her volunteer work with the American Legion Aux, holding various positions at the Unit and District levels. She acquired over 2,000 hours at the John Dingell VA hospital. In 2008 she was awarded the "Elsie Orr 217 Woman of the Year" for her outstanding and dedicated service to the Unit and Community.

Helen was very patriotic, participating in 4th of July parades as early as 2 years old pushing a doll buggy, and well into the 21 century working with juniors and seniors creating floats for the Wyandotte parade. Her love of the country was not only local, together with her husband Joe; they traveled 49 of the States; when she went to the last one Alaska, she took a picture of him so he could be there with her.

Her hobbies included, collecting Racoons, Angels, Eagles, Dolls, but she also enjoyed traveling, puzzles and cooking.

She gave birth to five children, but loved, and helped many more. She raised her children: Victoria Franks, Charles, Benjamin (Saundra), Richard (Rhonda) Zeestraten, Thesesa (Roger) Truesdell to be independent, honest, and hard working. She also acquired 6 step children upon her marriage(s). Countless grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren whom she cared for and loved very much.

Preceded in death by her husband of 28 years; Joseph J. Camilli, Step sons: Michael Zeestraten, Randy and Jimmie Camilli; as well as three brothers; Charles, Paul and Richard Lexa, a precious granddaughter, Phylicia Zeestraten and a great granddaughter Temperance Hart

She is survived by her sisters Margaret Lemay, and Louise Urdiales.

The family will receive friends on Sunday September 22nd, 2024 from 12:00pm until time of Funeral Service 4:00pm, officiated by Pastor Jonathan Locklear, at the Trenton Chapel- Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 3200 West Rd., Trenton, MI 48183

Memorial donations may be made to the Michigan Veterans Foundations to assist the homeless veterans. Please see the Memorial Contributions at the bottom of page

Click on tribute wall above to view Helen's memorial video.