Helen Tipa

Helen Tipa, nee Ciubuka, was born March 1, 1924, passed April 12, 2015. Never has a kinder spirit lived. Helen was a dedicated daughter; devoted and proud military wife; fair, supportive and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and loyal friend. She was born and raised in Detroit, Ml until she met and married Mike Tipa and began many years of military moves and business travels which she handled with grace and humor. Settling into Alexandria, VA in 1964 after Mike's retirement from the Army, she became a beloved fixture in the libraries of Walt Whitman Junior High and Mt Vernon High School for over 30 years and continued as a volunteer for several years beyond. Even though retired, Helen loved arranging the monthly women's luncheon with her group of library co-workers. In her younger years, she was a competitive swimmer. She also loved playing bridge and bowling with her fellow military wives. Her greatest passion was her garden, always ablaze with amazing blooms no matter what the season. Another one of Helen's great joys was to spend time near the Chesapeake Bay with a big platter of steamed crabs in front of her. In 2006, she and Mike relocated to central VA to be near their oldest daughter in their senior years. True to form, Helen enjoyed making new friends and attending activities in her new home. She passed peacefully in her sleep. She leaves behind not only her gentle spirit, subtle sense of humor and lifelong lessons, but her three adoring children, Michael Dean (Monika),Elena Marie (Jerry) and Helene Vale, along with six wonderful grandsons, Todd (Keri), Michael (Kelli), Kevin, (Shannon), Steven, David (Jennifer) and Andrew (Shayla) and four spunky great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Mikey, Joshua and Ashley. In lieu of flowers, please help us show our deep appreciation to Crater Community Hospice for their loving, compassionate care of Mom and our family by making a donation to their organization in her name. We thank you. You may donate online at www.cratercommunityhospice.org, by phone: (804) 526-4300, or by mail: Crater Community Hospice, 3916 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23805. A celebration of Helen's life will be private and held at a later date. You will be forever missed and in our hearts, Mom. We'll always save a #1 Jimmie just for you. Arrangements are by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.