Helen Paturzo Ballew

Helen Paturzo Ballew, 77, of Murrells Inlet, SC, passed away on July 30, 2025. Helen was born on August 2, 1947, in Charleston, SC. She was the daughter of Thomas F. Paturzo and Helen Donato Paturzo. She grew up in Columbia, SC, and was a graduate of A.C. Flora High School and the University of South Carolina. After over 20 years working as an EKG technician at Lexington Medical Center and Moncrief Army Hospital at Fort Jackson, she retired to the beach, where she often reminded you that there, “everyday was Saturday!” She loved to host family and friends for extended visits and cherished her daily golf cart rides with her beloved dog, Maggie.

Helen was a fabulous mother, sister, aunt, and friend to many, but she absolutely excelled at being “Gaga” to her two granddaughters, Elizabeth and Sarah. Her pride in them was boundless and they loved her as much as she loved them.

Helen is survived by her son, Scott T. Ballew (Reeve); granddaughters, Elizabeth and Sarah Ballew; golden retriever, Maggie; brother, Tommy “Tuner” Paturzo (Genie); sisters, Pamela Frye (Rhett) and Nancy Trau; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Helen Paturzo; her niece, Allison Trau; and her golden retriever, Molly.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 2728 Wheat Street, Columbia, SC, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society, 405 Greenlawn Dr., Columbia, SC (https://humanesc.org/donate/) or Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, 3000 South Beltline Blvd., Columbia, SC (https://www.heathwood.org/support/give-now).