Lia W. Aavaste

Lia Aavaste, 96, of Mint Hill, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday evening, November 22, 2025. Lia was born in Tartu, Estonia on March 18, 1929. As a young woman, she escaped communism with her family and immigrated to the United States in 1951 aboard the General R. M. Blatchford, arriving at Ellis Island to begin a new life.

Lia had an eye for beauty and detail, which led her to a lifelong career as a professional seamstress. She found joy in designing and creating clothing for countless clients who trusted her talent and creativity. Later, she brought her gifts to the alterations department of Belk Department Store, where she worked for more than 35 years before retiring in 2014 at the age of 85. For Lia, fashion wasn’t just work. It was her passion, and it brought her fulfillment every day.

Lia was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Arnold Aavaste; her son, Sven Aavaste; and her parents, Elmar Weckram and Akulina Liivoja Weckram. She is survived by her daughters, Linda A. Hunnicutt (Robert) and Ellen A. Helms (Ron); her grandchildren, Christopher Hunnicutt (Allison), Ashley Morrison (Dylan), Marshall Helms, and Carly McCarthy (Joey); eight great-grandchildren; and her sister, Chaska Peacock.

Lia’s grace, strength, creativity, and love shaped the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy will live on through the family she cherished and the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.

A service to celebrate Lia’s life will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Stephenson-Gaskin Funeral Home, followed by a graveside burial at Sharon Memorial Park at 3:00 p.m. for family and friends.