Helene Pagoria was welcomed into the arms of Christ at her home on Saturday, April 22, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Helene’s faith and love of her family brought her comfort throughout her life. Helene was known by many as the Pie Lady and began planting apple trees on her Grandparent’s farm in 1979 alongside her husband, Dave. Through their hard work, creative vision and spirit, they built a successful apple farm that has touched the lives of so many people in central and northern Wisconsin. Every fall, families came to Helene’s Hilltop Orchard to not only pick apples or pumpkins, but to go for a hay wagon ride, pet goats, eat the most delicious apple delicacies, and so much more. She balanced the demands of being an entrepreneur business women with her desire to support the community and be a wonderful mother to her three children, Olivia, Dustin, and Natalie. Described by Helene as a “family affair” she was so proud of the business she and Dave built alongside their children and grandchildren. Family was the most important thing to Helene, and she always attributed the success of the orchard to the hard work and dedication of the entire family. “We couldn’t have done it without everyone,” Helene said. Helene was immensely proud of her three children Olivia, Dustin, and Natalie. She celebrated every success, stood with them through every challenge, and prayed for them every day. As her children’s families grew over the years, so did Helene’s love. Helene loved spending time with her grandchildren and always made sure they knew how much she loved them. Helene loved to read, garden, and do puzzles. She loved listening to music, especially when her grandchildren were singing. She loved taking walks outside and being in nature. She loved to watch the loons with Dave from their dock in Northern Wisconsin. She was always the first to volunteer to make a birthday cake or Christmas dinner and shared her extensive baking knowledge with her children and grandchildren. She had a goofy sense of humor that brought joy to everyone around her. Her kids always wore the best homemade Halloween costumes that were sure to be applauded, but at times made trick-or-treating more challenging. Thanks Mom 🙂
She will be remembered as kind, loving, strong, and selfless woman. Helene was a devoted wife, a caring mother and grandmother, and a dear friend. Her legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren who embody so much of her spirit and Midwestern pride.
She is survived by her husband David Pagoria and their children, Olivia (Mark) Telschow, Dustin (Margaret) Pagoria, Natalie Pagoria; grandchildren, Meagahn Telschow, Oscar Telschow, Malaina Telschow, Evelyn Pagoria, Charlotte Pagoria, Isabel Pagoria, and Bennett Pagoria. She is also survived by her mother Florence and loving siblings.