Helen Ellis Josephs

Helen Ellis Josephs, 93, of Charlotte, NC passed away on October 3, 2015. She was born on April 23, 1922 in Baltimore, Maryland. Whether you knew Helen well or just casually, you felt her zest for life.

Helen cared for and deeply loved her family and friends. Helen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Cindy and Chuck Raburn of Concord, and sister Charlotte Ellis of Palm Beach, FL. She leaves behind grandchildren that simply adore her, Scott Raburn of Charlotte and Michael Raburn and wife Courtney of Arlington, Va. Helen was the beloved wife of the late I. Mac Josephs formerly of Raleigh and beloved mother of Joel Josephs who passed away in 2012. Helen lived life with all of her heart. Her loving family will always carry her memory, love, determination and zest for life in their hearts.

Raleigh is where Helen raised her family with such amazing love and built a lifetime of friends. She knew how to make anything special. Her home was like a big smile, so welcoming and alive as she loved it being full with family, friends and her children’s friends. She created a warm home, protective and full of love. Helen was active in Temple Beth Or. She was instrumental in creating the welcoming and exciting atmosphere of the stores owned by her and her husband.

Later in life Helen moved to Charlotte to be close to family and watch her grandsons that she so adored grow up. It was a gift to her daughter and family to have her part of the fabric of their lives. Helen was so happy to see her oldest son marry and see her family grow with love and new memories. Her grandchildren treasure all their Grandma memories, laughter, wisdom and love.

In Charlotte, Helen was fortunate to find a cozy place to work where those she worked with became friends. At The Buttercup she enjoyed helping families pick out the perfect invitations for milestone celebrations. Helen worked until age 92 because she loved being around people and making a difference.

Helen enjoyed life and made the most of it. She knew how to make going out to lunch fun just as she knew how to make a holiday meal have so much meaning. She lived a long life and taught us by how she lived. From her we learn to embrace life - live, love, laugh, care, share and connect. And that she did.

A Service of Reflection will be held at 4:00 Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at Temple Beth El in Charlotte. Graveside service will be held at 1 o’clock on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at Raleigh Hebrew Cemetery, 450 N. State Street between Oakwood Avenue and Glascock Street.

Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Beth El, 5101 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28226 and The Levine & Dickson Hospice House, 11900 Vanstory Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078.