Helen Mae Kwake

Helen Mae Kwake, 99, of Woodbridge, VA, died peacefully Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Falls Church, VA of natural causes. Helen was born in New York City, NY to Charles and Beatrice (Hamilton) Hutton on May 23, 1926.

After high school, Helen did clerical work for insurance companies in New York City. She spoke fondly of supporting the World War II effort stateside at local dances with her girlfriends while the “boys” were gone. She was married to WWII veteran Cas Joseph Kwake on October 6, 1946 in Woodside, NY.

Helen and Cas lived in Malibu, CA for 30 years, raised their children and she supported government contracts for the RAND Corporation. She enjoyed playing in volleyball leagues and tournaments in Los Angeles, and Prince William and Fairfax counties after moving to Virginia in 1975. Helen and her husband travelled on cruises all over the world with family and friends. Helen lived in Prince William County, VA for 50 years.

Helen was a voracious reader who rarely went a day without a book. She especially loved mysteries and faithfully completed The Washington Post crossword puzzle. Her favorite part of the daily newspaper was “the funnies,” as she always called the comics. In her younger years, Helen and Cas enjoyed taking their children, Tom and Karen, snow skiing. It was an activity she truly loved and often shared stories about.

Helen was also deeply creative. When sharing stories of work or holiday parties, she never failed to describe the handmade decorations and clever costumes and props she had designed herself. Her artwork filled her home, and the ornaments she created decorated her Christmas tree each year. Her paintings and handmade ornaments will be passed down in our family and cherished as reminders of her creativity and the traditions she loved.

Holidays were especially meaningful to Helen. She loved to decorate and plan traditions, including Easter games that her grandchildren joyfully participated in well into adulthood. She also had her own birthday tradition, always ending the song with a cheerful rendition of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” bringing a smile to her face and to those around her. These celebrations reflected Helen’s thoughtful, joyful, and loving personality.

One of Helen’s favorite traditions was Sunday dinner. Each week, she set the table in her own special way and cooked a meal everyone looked forward to sharing together. Every dinner ended with a dessert, her favorite part of each meal.

Above all, Helen loved her family, and she showed it every day through her generosity, humor, and unwavering support. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Helen is survived by her son, Tom (Risë) Kwake of Camarillo, CA; daughter, Karen (Alan) Harvey of Falls Church, VA; seven grandchildren, Katelyn Kwake of Camarillo, CA; Evan (Katherine) Harvey of Charlotte, NC; Lindsay Harvey of Falls Church, VA; Jillian (Reece) Dempsey of Franklin, TN; and Sarah, Katherine and Matthew Harvey of Falls Church, VA. She was preceded in death by her husband Cas of 68 years in 2015, parents, sister Jane Kelsch and brother Charles (Buddy) Hutton.

A viewing and reflection will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 10:15 am to 11:00 am with a private interment to follow at National Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042.

Goodbye, For Now

We’ll miss you more than words can say.

You’re still with us, just in a different way.

In memories, laughter, and love so true,

We carry a part of you in all we do.

Roses In The Garden – Tom Kwake

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kthkyi8r1icnin8qicyyl/Roses-In-The-Garden.mp3?rlkey=zhe3vzlehp7tpoqpevysucp6k&st=agf89lz0&dl=0

For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Helen Mae Kwake, contributions can be made to Paws For Seniors at https://www.pawsforseniors.org/donate.