Virginia Beach – Helen Nantel Heipel, 83, died May 1, 2002 at her home in Rose Hall Apartments surrounded by her loving family. She was previously a resident of Old Donation Apartments. Helen was born on May 27, 1918 in Montreal, Canada. She was the widow of Frederick and was predeceased by two sons, Fritzy and Michael.
Helen is survived by two daughters, Lillian Whitney of Virginia Beach and Nancy Singler of Frederick, MD; two sons-in-law, Steven Whitney and James Singler; four grandchildren, Shane and Amber Whitney, Victoria Wilson, wife of Douglas and Christine Estelle, wife of Charles, Jr.; and three great-grandchildren, Meredith and Matthew Wilson and Charles Estelle, III.
Helen had lived and worked in New York before retiring to Virginia Beach. She was a devoted volunteer, active for 12 years at Bayside Hospital. Helen will be remembered for her joyous participation with the Senior Citizens Group.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation in her name be made to Heartland Hospice, 5040 Corporation Wood Dr., Suite 150, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 in thanksgiving for the wonderful care provided to Helen and her family.
Dearest Lil and Steve,
When my Mom passed over 10 years ago, I had watched her become another person from all the problems she had fought for several years. When I last saw her around Christmas that last year, she was not the mother that I had known for all my life. I had spent 2 or 3 years grieving at her slow and difficult transition. When finally the last came, I had closure to end my grief and her suffering. The church service was a celebration of her entering a greater life where she and my father would finally be together. I hope that your mother found peace and that you are satisfied that you did everything to make her last years as good as you could.
I miss seeing your family as much as I used to, but you and Steve and your children are still in my memories as some of the best. I always felt more than an agent for MetLife. You are still friends that I enjoy keeping up with. Thank you for the continuing friendship that I value as I get older and wiser.
Frank
I am sorry for your loss of this beautiful lady. I am privileged to have known her, if even for such a short time. Thank you for the honor of tending to her in this special time of her journey. I will remember the kind and loving environment that you provided for Mrs. Heipel. If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to call. Remember, in some respects this is the beginning of the journey and you shouldn’t travel it alone. God bless you all.
Sincerely-
Wendy Graefe, RN, BSN
Heartland Hospice
Lil, I know so well the mixed feelings you’re having — the sadness at having to say goodbye to your mother and let go, but the relief that she is now at peace. Our thoughts are with you, Steve, Shane & Amber. Love, Diane, David & Dan