Helen G. Whetzel

Helen Whetzel passed away peacefully at Autumn Lakes Healthcare in Crofton, MD on February 22, 2025, at the age of 88 surrounded by family. She was the devoted wife to the late Raymond Whetzel, Sr, whom she was married to for 40 years. She is survived by her loving children Buddy, Billy (Lin), Debbie (Joe), Donna and Denise Whetzel, Diane Morris, and Daughter-in-Law Jill Whetzel. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Matthew, Lauren, Devin and Colleen. She was also preceded in death by her daughter Darlene.

Helen was born on July 30, 1936, in Washington, DC, to George and Gertrude Hickey. She was one of six children. She is survived by her brother Paul Hickey (Kristy) and sister Mary Vuolo (Gil). Her siblings George Hickey (Skippy), Katie Lee, and Patt Anderson (Russell) preceded her in death. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She attended St. Gabriel’s Grade School and Sacred Heart High School in Washington, DC where she graduated from in 1954. She played numerous sports, and her brother George always said she was the best athlete in the family. After graduating from high school, she went on to work for the FAA as a secretary for several years.

On July 7, 1956, she married Ray and resided in Washington DC until they moved to New Carrollton, MD in 1960, where she lived for 65 years. Helen was a loyal parishioner at St. Mary’s Church in Landover Hills, MD where she volunteered to help run the bingo and other activities. She was also involved in volunteering at St. Mary’s School where her seven children were enrolled. She worked as a transcriber for a court reporter while raising her children and later went on to work for several years at the International Council on Social Welfare where she served on the board until becoming ill. 

Helen loved spending time with family and friends. There were numerous large family gatherings throughout the year with the highlights being Christmas Dinner at her parents where her siblings, their spouses, her children, nieces, nephews, and countless family friends gathered. She also loved crab feasts with family and friends. 

One of Helen’s greatest loves was the Washington Redskins. She was a season ticket holder for 50 years and would never miss a game or leave until the clock was zero. She attended three Super Bowls the Redskins were in and rooted them on to victories in two of them. She was an avid duckpin bowler where she maintained a high average and bowled up until she was 81 years old. She also loved putting together bus trips to Atlantic City, especially on St. Patrick’s Day.

Helen was an active member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary first with the DC Fire and Police Post in Washington, DC and then with the VFW Department of Maryland where she served as treasurer until falling ill. Helen was also a member of the Greenbelt (MD) American Legion Auxiliary and loved playing bingo there.

She will be missed by her family and many friends she made throughout her life. May her smile and laughter she shared and kindness she showed to many bring comfort to all who mourn her passing. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Resident’s Fund, Autumn Lakes Healthcare, 2131 Davidsonville Road, Crofton, MD 21114 in honor of Helen Whetzel.