Elizabeth Z. Helbig

Elizabeth "Bettye" Zipoli Helbig, 87, of Hamden passed away peacefully at Yale New Haven Hospital on Wednesday, April 23 with her children by her side. Beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, Bettye – lovingly known to many as Zippy – was born in New Haven on January 20, 1938, and was the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Della Camera Zipoli. She worked at CWA Local 1298 for more than 30 years and made many friendships there that remained during her lifetime. Bettye was an avid cook, loved to read, and could often be found watching the Hallmark Channel. She was a passionate knitter, and shared scarves, hats, and blankets with generations of family and friends. She was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and enjoyed cheering on the UCONN Huskies. But nothing compared to the happiness her family brought her, especially when they were all together.Predeceased by her brother, Thomas Zipoli, and her husband of more than 20 years, Karl Helbig, Bettye leaves a legacy through those she loved most. Mother of Karl (Skip) Helbig Jr., Thomas Helbig, and Kristen Archibald (Matthew); loving grandmother of Kayleigh, Ryan, Olivia, Evan, Carmel and Joshua Helbig, Emily Overko (Kevin), and Luke Archibald; great-grandmother of Brynn, Kevin and Bentley Devlin, and Owen Overko; cousin of Gail Cavalier; and sister-in-law of Susan Zipoli. Bettye also leaves behind cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends, both lifelong and those she made in the final years of her life. Her family thanks those who were there for her during healthy times, as well as during her illness. A private graveside service will be held at a date yet to be determined. Friends are welcome to make memorial contributions to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd, Newington, CT 06111 in her honor. The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, has been entrusted with the arrangements. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Elizabeth, please visit our Tree Store.