Helen Baudo

Helen Ayrom Baudo, 87, went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 13, 2012 after a long illness. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Thursday, August 16 at Arrington Funeral Directors with burial to follow in Ridgecrest Cemetery. Helen was born February 24, 1925 the daughter of the late Alexander and Olga Ayrom. She came to the U.S. from Persia and became a citizen in 1946. She married Basil ?Buzz? Baudo on August 29, 1952 and moved to Jackson in 1964.Helen brought the first authentic Italian restaurant with pizza to Jackson when she opened Baudo?s Restaurant in 1965. She welcomed all she knew with her vivacious personality and hospitality remembering each of her customers by name. Always offering friends and family food, she was never pacified until you tasted her delicious fares. An avid gardener, her prize roses, orchids and backyard garden drew people from all over to gaze at the beauty of her landscaping.She is survived by her husband Buzz Baudo; three sons, Bob Baudo, Jack Baudo and Steve Baudo; three daughters, Sharon Baudo Smith, Brenda Baudo Christopher and Linda Baudo Smallwood; 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her brother, Kooros Ayrom and two sisters, Ina Avshid and Mary Williamson.Memorials may be directed to: St. Jude Children?s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 15, 2012 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.