Helen M. Sipala

Helen Murray Sipala, age 91 of Chadds Ford, PA passed away Tuesday July 21, 2026 at her home surrounded by loved ones.

She was the wife of George E. Sipala who passed in 2020. Helen shared over 50 years of marriage with George.

Born in 1934 in Thornton, PA. She was the daughter of the late Arlice Murray and the late Gertrude Brown Murray.

Helen graduated from Unionville High School in 1952 and was the editor to the school's newspaper. Helen graduated with a degree in business at Goldey Beacom College and followed up her education at St Mary's college.

Helen excelled in shorthand and writing skills, and worked as a substitute business teacher for 10 years and property management for 15 years.

Helen was a long-standing member of the Chadds Ford Area Women's Club and actively participated in programs she set up. She was also a member of the Brandywiners Garden Club, Red Hat Club, Radnor Hunt Club, Brandywine Art Museum and Longwood Gardens.

Helen modeled for Andrew Wyeth over a 20 year period; she was a close friend and confidant. Helen published two diaries while in her eighties, Beyond the Marriage Bed and Buttercups & Gratitude. She was self taught playing the guitar in her seventies.

Helen was a woman of great faith and rarely missed a Sunday service. She had a passion for gardening, collecting antiques, and enjoyed decorating. She loved entertaining friends and family, and did a fabulous job.

Helen was very outgoing and easily made wonderful friends of all ages. Her calendar was always chock-full of invitations.

Helen participated in the Rock Hall, Maryland July 4th parades for 20 years with great enthusiasm. She would use her creative decorating skills on the family float.

Helen is survived by her 3 daughters and 2 Sons: Linda DeCecchis, Richard Sipala (Diane), Arthur Sipala (Terry), Susan Drumheller (Marty Drumheller), and Carol Sipala.

She has 6 grandchildren, Sean DeCecchis, Scott DeCecchis, Amy Watkins (Dan), Kelly Pollock, Mary Sipala, Vinny Sipala and has 5 great grandchildren.

Helen's surviving sibling, Fern Knight.

Deceased Siblings, William (Wade) Murray, Clifford Murray, Clarence Murray and sister Shirley Walton.

There will be no funeral or cemetery Services.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held on September 24th,2026 at Penn Oaks Country Club at 11am. Deadline for rsvp September 5th to: [email protected]. We encourage sharing fond memories with Helen. Feel free to come in colorful style, it's a day of joy! 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to the Brandywine Baptist Church, on the Battlefield. 1463 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, Pa. 19317 phone 610-459-1302  A very active Church in local areas of missionary charity. 

Arrangements by Kuzo Funeral Home, Kennett Square, PA