Helen R. Kulp

Ithaca

Helen R. Kulp, a resident of the Longview Community, passed away at home on March 4, 2016, at the age of 94.

Born in Syracuse, NY on July 12, 1921, Helen was the daughter of the late John and Lois (Crego) Reddout.  The Reddout family lived in Baldwinsville and Buffalo before settling in Ithaca in 1936.

Shortly after graduating from the Rochester Business School in 1942, Helen met Arthur Claude Kulp.  The couple were married in Sage Chapel on June 14, 1947, and purchased their first home on Irving Place, which would remain in their family for five decades.  Helen had worked at Morse Chain early in their marriage, but when the children came along she devoted her energies to their care.  She beamed when telling about the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, who were always a source of inspiration and happiness for her. Helen lovingly sewed, hemmed and mended clothes for her family, and over the years knitted a plethora of sweaters and sweatshirts to keep them warm. She also knit uncounted beautiful, traditional Christmas stockings for her family and many friends.

When the children had a solid start in life, Helen accepted a position at Cornell where she assisted a Civil Engineering Professor, Ta Liang.  She later became the office manager for the NY Seed Improvement Co-Op in Ithaca.

Helen and Art modeled what a good life-foundation was by being active members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and by dedicating countless hours to the Meals on Wheels program.  They also made many lasting friendships through the Trumansburg Senior Citizens, and Helen enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow members of her monthly book club. 

In retirement, Helen and Art became great travelers as they explored Canada, several European countries, Hawaii and a good portion of the United States.  In addition, they enjoyed many camping trips with their children and grandchildren.

Helen lived her final years in Longview Retirement Home where she made several new friends and continued swimming, reading, knitting and sewing gifts and clothes for others.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Art on September 23, 2006.  She is survived by one son, William Arthur (Leah) Kulp of Baltimore, MD; two daughters, Margaret Ann (Edward) Schoneman of Burdett and Deborah Helen (Miles) Munson of Lansing; six grandchildren, Arthur (Katy), Paul (Amanda) and Ross Munson, Christopher (Julie) and Benjamin Schoneman and Douglas (Betsy) Kulp; as well as seven great grandchildren, two nieces and two nephews.

The family will be present to receive friends at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 402 N. Aurora St., Ithaca on Saturday, March 12, 2016, from 10 -11am.   A funeral service will immediately follow at 11am with the Rev. Dr. John McNeill officiating.  Prayers of committal will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Ithaca.

For those who wish to remember Helen in the form of a contribution, kindly consider St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 402 N. Aurora St., Ithaca, NY 14850;  or the American Diabetes Association, 6390 Fly Rd., 2nd Floor, East Syracuse, NY 13057.

Lansing Funeral Home is assisting the family.  www.lansingfuneralhome.com