Helen Rosemarie Scharf's Obituary
HELEN ROSEMARIE SCHARF, 97, of Leesburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Leesburg, VA.
Born Tuesday, April 16, 1929, in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Guttilla Sr. and the late Rose Onorato Guttilla. She was the beloved wife of the late Howard “Howie” Scharf.
Helen was predeceased by her devoted husband of 57 years, Howard Scharf, her cherished daughter, Michele Ogdon, and her siblings Louise (Mario), Tony (Rose), Joe (Ann), and Joyce (Ronny).
Helen Scharf lived a big, bold, beautiful life entirely on her own terms. Fiercely loving, loyal, and undeniably feisty, Helen was truly a pistol. She always made sure her voice was heard, and those who knew her best will forever remember her sharp wit, incredible sense of humor, spirited personality, and radiant smile that could light up any room. She was nurturing and protective of the people she loved, deeply intuitive and sentimental, yet also strategic, resourceful, and endlessly creative.
Helen loved traveling and embraced life with enthusiasm and sophistication. Alongside her beloved Howie, and later with daughter Michele, and granddaughter Kristin, she traveled the world creating treasured memories together. Of all the places she visited, her favorite place on earth was Lake Como, Italy, a destination that perfectly matched her appreciation for beauty, elegance, and timeless charm.
She had a passion for tennis and never missed an opportunity to cheer for her favorite player, Roger Federer. Helen also had a remarkable eye for interior design and took tremendous pride in creating a beautiful and welcoming home. A true fashionista, she was always impeccably dressed and stylish, carrying herself with regal sophistication.
Helen especially loved gathering around her stunning living room or her sunroom table, where lavish breakfasts, charcuterie, canapes, happy hours, and meaningful conversations brought family and friends together. She was a gracious hostess who never needed a reason to celebrate, often raising a glass of Veuve or Chandon champagne in honor of life’s special moments, both large and small.
Remarkably independent until the very end, Helen continued embracing the evolving world around her with curiosity and confidence. She remained excited for whatever might come next - whether it was a complete kitchen remodel, a cruise down the East Coast with dear friends, or a new chapter in Charlotte, NC, closer to family. Her independence and quality of life were made possible through the loving friendship and assistance of Crystal, Cayce, and The Care Concierge, for whom the family is deeply grateful.
She leaves many to cherish her memory, including her son, Richard Scharf, and her daughter-in-law, Debra Cleary-Scharf; granddaughter Kristin Ogdon (Cathie) and great-granddaughter Carly; granddaughter Ashley Pasichnyk (John); and grandson Alexander Scharf, his partner, Shelby, and great-grandchildren, Ridley and Dawson Scharf. She is also survived by her niece, Laura Mordeci (Rick), and their children, Kyle, TJ, and Jackson; her nephews, Tom DeSantis (Loraine), their children, Colton and Lucas, Kenneth DeSantis, and Keith DeSantis and his children, Melinda and Kellen; her niece, Nicole Zaccara; and additional loving family.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, June 12, 2026, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 21371 St. Theresa Lane, Ashburn, VA 20147. Interment will be held privately at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (Breast Cancer Research Foundation | BCRF), St. Thérèse Society of the Little Flower (Society of the Little Flower - US - Society of the Little Flower - US), or a charity of choice.
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