Helen Hope Cupps

Scottsdale - Helen Hope Cupps passed away at the age of 92 on October 30, 2018 in Scottsdale, AZ. She was born and raised by Louis Leland & Annette (Parker) Cook in Provo & Ogden, Utah. She is survived by her three children Eugene (Kris) Cupps of Chandler, AZ, Cindy (Henry) Weissblatt of Boca Raton, FL, & Lisa Cupps of Gilbert, AZ; Sister Annette (Bud) Bauer of Cedar City, UT; granddaughters Kendra & Brittany Cupps and many nieces & nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Halbert T. Cupps, first husband Harold Cheever, brothers Frank & Bud Cook, & Sisters Mary Kiger & Genevieve Gates.

Helen attended Provo High School, BYU & L.A. City College (UCLA). Helen worked for Geneva Steel, Lockheed Aircraft, BYU registrar's office, & the U.S. Foreign Service. While working at Lockheed, she made air speed indicators for the B-17 & B-29 bombers. She also took a few flying lessons from one of her friends. Her position with the Foreign Service in Bonn, Germany allowed her to travel & visit many countries in Europe which forged long lasting friendships throughout her life. She met her husband Hal in Berlin in 1954 & they were married in 1955 in Bonn, Germany. Hal's work with the Voice of America took them to North Africa, Washington D.C., Delano, California, the Philippines and Ohio before retiring in 1975 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Helen held a strong faith in God & was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Palo Verde Ward.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, therapists & caregivers who cared for their Mother.

Memorial services will be held on November 11, 2018 at 3:00pm at Messinger Mortuary 7601 E. Indian School Road Scottsdale, AZ with the chapel service beginning at 4:00 pm. Helen will be interred in Provo, Utah on November 17, 2018 at East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Nov. 9 to Nov. 10, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Cupps

Sponsored by Messinger Mortuaries- Indian School Mortuary Indian School Mortuary.

32 Entries

April 6, 2019

It's hard for me to put into words how much Helen meant to me. She meant a lot. Its a relationship that started circa 1956 when I was a little girl. My parents met Helen and Hal in Morocco, Africa. My father was an officer in the US Navy, stationed there with an air squadron. Helen and Hal were living in Tangiers; he was an executive with the Voice of America. Helen was pregnant with Eugene and she came into the hair salon at the naval base and met my mother. They became fast friends along with their respective spouses, and their friendship continued over the years, through many different assignments and living locales. I'm not sure where all Helen and Hal lived after Africa, but I know they were in Washington D.C., the Philippines and Bakersfield, eventually settling in Arizona. My parents visited them where ever they were.

Helen was one of the most unaffected people I've ever known. She was not into impressing people; she was into making them feel comfortable. In a way, she and my mother were not likely friends. One was the sophisticate (my mom) and the other (Helen) was the unpretentious and genuine earth mother. But Helen's personality was so compelling and so authentic that she was impossible to dismiss and she drew my mother to her like the moth to the fire!

I have wonderful memories of visits to Washington DC and meeting their ship when the whole family, Helen, Hal, Eugene, Cindy and Lisa, sailed into San Francisco from the Philippines after their assignment there. We picked them up and took them to our little house in San Jose where they stayed for awhile before moving on to the next assignment.

The most meaningful times for me with Helen have been in the last 20 years or so. When I would go to Scottsdale on business, I would be a guest for a home made dinner. Helen was a fantastic cook and I will always remember her turkey meatloaf and corn salad. For the last several years, my husband, Tom and I would go to Scottsdale every year for golf and baseball. We had so many wonderful visits with Helen and reminisced about the early years. She was such a great conversationalist and had such a unique personality that I always looked forward to seeing her. Another thing about Helen that I cherish is how she reached out to me. Even into her nineties, she would call me to check in. This was long after my mother had passed and even after my dad passed last year.

Dearest Helen, I will never forget you. I am so blessed to have encountered you on this wonderful journey of life.

With love and the deepest affection,
Lynn and Tom Eager
Danville, California

Gisele Whyte

December 31, 2018

I was Helen's tax accountant for the last 12 years. It was a pleasure to see her every year. She always had interesting things to talk about, especially about the years she and her family had spent in the Philippines.
We had both lived in the Washington, D.C., area at one time. She was fond of saying that returning there after her stay in the Philippines was considered a hardship post. It was not as easy to get help there.
Helen was a smart and gracious lady, and I considered her a friend rather than a client.

Joylene Johnson

December 29, 2018

Helen and I found common ground right away when I became one of her caregivers. We had both lived in Provo, Utah and both of us grew up spending many hours riding our horses. I loved listening to her stories and adventures and she was interested in mine. She was so great at making everyone feel so important. Her sense of humor was wonderful!
The very first time I went to her house as a caregiver, she sent me to the store to get a pork loin. I was surprised at the cost , so talking to the butcher, thought I'd save her $10 and get an "equivalent" piece of meat. It was not and she was not happy. I learned right away that quality in everything was her priority and never made that mistake again. She liked her t-shirts to be ironed, even when it looked like they didn't need it. She could tell if they we're not ironed even though they looked the same as if they had been...just iron the shirts every time no matter what!
My family and I loved singing and playing flute and violin for her at Christmas time the last couple of years. Though she gave us far more than we gave her. She had been through hard things in her life, yet she maintained her testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and of Jesus Christ . She was so easy to love and was amazing at giving love to others. She always made everyone feel so important. She will surely be missed! Until we meet again......,.

Ron Jones

December 10, 2018

I first met Helen when she was a patient at Mayo Clinic Hospital and I was providing hospital ministry for members of our Church. As I laid my hands on her head to administer with oil and give a Priesthood blessing I knew that I was ministering to a very special daughter of Heavenly Father. Her strong spirit was clearly impressed upon me. As I continued to visit her I would leave feeling that I was the one ministered to. I remember the last time we visited before she passed away a few hours later. She and I expressed our love for each other. Here in her own pain and suffering she wanted to make sure that I felt appreciated and loved for the service I was providing her. I thought how Christlike for her to be thinking about my feelings.

I know that as we say goodbye to her here that there are hosts of others who are welcoming her home in Paradise. I know that she will be encircled by loved ones but also especially she will be comforted and greeted by the Savior. Helen was a perfect example of a live well-lived. May God bless her memory to those of her family, friends, and members of the Church.

Najad Sabra

December 6, 2018

Dear Helen you will be always be in my heart and thoughts...It was pleasure knowing Helen she was always like a mother and a dear freind.The day I met Helen I knew I met someone special with her great heart and caring attitude.I will miss her dearly and all the great memories I spent with her every week doing her hair.She was always interested about my family and every time I went on a trip she got excited to hear my stories and see pictures .Helen was a remarkable and special lady to know,she will be greatly missed.My special condolences to her family.

Charles Segrest

December 5, 2018

What a wonderful gracious lady Helen was.

In 1968 when my family and I arrived in the Philippines for the first time, Helen and her husband Hal took us over to the Officers Club at Clark Air Base for a sumptuous 5 course meal with entertainment and dancing.

Helen like husband Hal, was a gracious leader for the spouses who accompanied their husbands who were assigned to construct and to operate very high-power transmitting facilities for the Voice of American in many countries.

I strongly believe as the days and weeks pass, and as each family member return to life's routine, may each one of you continue to feel the comforted by the prayers, God's love and support of all Helen's family and friends.

Charles Segrest

December 5, 2018

It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.

December 4, 2018

December 04,2018
Dear Lisa, Eugene and Cindy:
May happy and love-filled memories carry you through this sorrowful time.
With deep sympathy from your old Voice of America Friends: Edna and Don J. Droegemeyer (R.I.P. on July 13,2010) of Las Vegas, Nevada, at this time of sadness.

Merle Christensen

December 2, 2018

What a lovely lady our sweet Helen was. Our whole family adored her for many years after our parents met and became fast friends in Morocco.

Their were many meeting over the years including the AZ. , CA. and PI.

Helen was such a gracious lady and always made everyone feel loved and special. She took such sincere interest in every ones family members and their well being.

She will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to Lisa, Eugene, Cindy and the whole family.

Love, Spike and Barbie Christensen

Cindy Weissblatt Lew and Bonnie Weill

November 30, 2018

Although we hadn't seen Helen in many years, we'l always remember a warm, friendly and kind lady. Years ago, we spent a lovely Thanksgiving with her at our Dad and Cindy's home in Florida. She made the best cranberry sauce we ever had and we both insisted that she give us her recipe, To this day, we love making her recipe every Thanksgiving and when we enjoy it with our family and friends, we think of her fondly.

Cindy Weissblatt Lew and Bonnie Weissblatt Weill

Boots n Sam Preston

November 24, 2018

Helen was a great friend to our family. Don,t ever recall a harsh word about anyone. Maki g anyone feel comfortable came easy to her and the stories she told kept the laughter flowing. When they moved to Arizonia we lost the best neighbors we ever had as they both gave of themselves. Loved to hear of their adventures around the world. She was a great cook and baker. She will be greatly missedDebbie remembers the pachinko michines in the basement she learned to play and the black walnut ice cream and the ribs. Food wine and fun were always happy times at the Cupps.

Kara Birney

November 23, 2018

I cared for helen for only a little less than a year, but the impact she made on me will last indefinitely. Those great months were filled with laughter over trying to guess jeopardy questions, crushing over our favorite tennis players, and long conversations that were filled with her wisdom. I will miss her and am thankful of the time I got to spend with her as I know she lives on in all of us.

Mary Anne Koski

November 22, 2018

When I visited Helen, she was interested in what I had to say. That was generous of her as she was not well. I could tell she loved her children. She was a good woman!

Jeffrey Jensen

November 21, 2018

I have had the wonderful privilege of know the Cupps family for the past 30 years. We have shared countless times and special moments together throughout all those years. The last ten years especially , with Helen, have been delightful to say the least. Each and every time i would visit her face would light up and she would immediately ask me to sit next to her and she would ask whats new. Soon after that she would always be offering something to eat and always had something she had just cooked or bought or even received as a gift :) Chocolate was a favorite! many times an intended small visit would easily turn into a couple hours or more.
Over time I came to know Helen as a person who loved unconditionally and even enjoyed my sense of humor ;) She always talked of the love she had for each person in her family and the loving qualities each has and how grateful she was for all of them! and I would get the scoop on just where each was and what was new! Lots of times I would find Lisa there with her and together the three of us shared tender memories and shared some good laughs! I came to admire how Lisa always demonstrated complete selfless love for her Mom. Helen mentioned to me many times how much she appreciated Lisa's big heart! Surely Helen was a great example to her family.
My Deepest Sympathies go out to her family. May Gods blessings be with them, and grant peace in their hearts .. Helen is in a happier place now, yet she will always be with us , as long as we remember her.

Jack Coito

November 20, 2018

To your spirit and your kindness, thank you for your examples.

Jack Coito (Home Care Resources)

November 20, 2018

Mrs. Helen Cupps was a dear client of Home Care Resources and we had the pleasure of helping her during her time of need. The management and caregiving staff who got to know her loved her. Mrs. Cupps loved to share her traveling stories and worldly experiences with all of us. She will be fondly missed and we all want to express our deepest condolences to Lisa, Eugene and Cindy and the rest of her family.

November 20, 2018

Helen was the best neighbor anyone could have. She was like a second Mother to me. She lived her faith and was a great example for all of us. I will miss her!
Sara Bollman

Richard Moe

November 19, 2018

It is acknowledged that with aging our strongest qualities become more obvious. I only had the privilege to know Mrs Cupps in her last years.
I can not therefore comment on how others might have seen her in decades past.
In her last years in my presence she was gracious, welcoming, inquisitive, friendly and very interested in the comfort of others even when uncomfortable in her illness. As such, I must conclude that these qualities must have been some of the most deeply basic parts to her being. She was a good lady whose good deeds have left a legacy most would admire for their own.

Cathy Samson

November 16, 2018

I have fond memories of my time as night caregiver for Helen - talking about travel and news events and watching her favorite show Jeopardy with her. We would always see how many questions we could answer :). She loved hearing about my aspiring actor son in Hollywood and was thrilled when he came in to visit her when he dropped me off to work one time when he was in town. It seemed to make her very happy as she was always sincerely interested in people and their lives. She was such a family oriented kind person and often talked about her great love for all of her family members. Helen had a marvelous sense of humor and would come out with hilarious one liners at the most unexpected moments. Her faith was strong and I am encouraged that we will see her again and have more good times with her as believers in heaven. Until we meet again, thinking of you Helen, with fond memories, Cathy

Kevin, Sydney, Shay & Sadie Smith

November 16, 2018

WHAT A RICH, WONDERFUL LIFE, AND A BEAUTIFUL PERSON! Helen, you and Hal were just the neighbors my three daughters and I needed and wanted during our time in Scottsdale. Kind, caring, and your house was always our first stop on Halloween eve -- always! It was tradition. Thank you for the friendship, the laughter and allowing us to be apart of your 92 years on this earth. Tell Hal hello for us. LORD BLESS.

Jessica George

November 13, 2018

I am saddened to hear of a former client and friend's passing. I've worked with Ms. Cupps briefly as a caregiver but came to know her as a very sweet lady. I always thought of her. It's hard to forget someone who gave so much to remember. A thousand words won't bring her back but those special moments of her will always bring a smile. RIP my fren ❤

November 10, 2018

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)

Bernald Porter

November 9, 2018

May the many memories she helped create find root in your heart and bring special recollection to your mind as you both mourn and celebrate her life... and may God bless you as you deal with her passing.

November 9, 2018

Eugene, Cindy, Lisa and extended family. By love,they are remembered and in memory they live. Even to your sorrow, I hope you can hold on to the thought that life lived with so much love never really ends,but goes on forever in the heart of those remember. We, my sister Rosalina and I Teresita will for sure miss our sister in our hearts, our employer Helen and his loving husband Halbert Cupps, beautiful couple, beautiful children, beautiful memories from Philippines, Baguio City. Our thoughts, prayers, comfort and peace at this difficult time of sorrow, in deepest sympathy for the whole family. With God's blessings always love you.

November 9, 2018

My sympathy to the Cupps family. May the peace of God sustain you during this difficult time of loss. (Phi. 4:7)

November 9, 2018

May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time

November 7, 2018

Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences at this time of your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1, 2

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