Helen Rose Straight

Helen Rose Straight, 42, of Springfield, Virginia, passed away on August 9, 2022, in Springfield. Born on June 23, 1980 in St. Louis, Missouri, Helen is the daughter of the late David Straight and Ruth Anne Long. After she graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor of Arts in English, she moved to Washington, D.C. There she worked at the Black Rooster Pub, where she met her future husband, Drew Tidwell. They married at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont on the Fourth of July in 2013. Helen is the founder and owner of Passing Lane Films for the past 10 years and was the recipient of many awards she earned for the films and videos she produced and wrote. An avid reader, writer, and poet, she and her husband traveled to all four corners of the country visiting national parks, presidential libraries, and other areas of historical or artistic significance. They also went to a number of the state houses in a number of state capitals. A loving and devoted wife, sister, friend, and daughter, Helen was adored by all. Helen always wanted people to feel good about themselves. She took the time to talk to strangers, send a friend a “pick me up” card, and always made people feel at ease with her gregarious laugh and authentic generosity. Helen and Drew truly loved each other—they were soul mates, best friends, and teammates. They woke up together, worked together, and went to bed together, working as an incredible team for the past ten years. Helen is survived by her husband, Drew Tidwell and his children, Drew and Sophie. She is also survived by her mother Ruthanne Long; her grandmother, Muriel Straight; her brother Stephen and sister-in-law Kate Straight; niece Stella, nephew Cameron, and godsons Calvin Straight and Trevor Snyder; her mother-and-father-in-law Marie-Cecile and Drew V. Tidwell III; her husband’s grandmother, Denise Okoniewski; brother-and sister-in-law Michael and Moriah Tidwell and their children, Matthew and Michael Tidwell, and Sydney and Abigail Chatlos; her aunts, Suzanne Snyder and Jane Straight; her uncles, Michael Straight and Bruce Straight; her husband’s uncle Darrell Tidwell and his aunt Annie-France Okoniewski; and many cousins and numerous friends and colleagues who also will dearly miss Helen and her warm personality and laughter. Memorials in Helen’s name may be given to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. https://www.dbsalliance.org/ The Photo displayed above is from Helen’s 40th Birthday party at the Grand Canyon. Helen’s husband and family wish to extend their sincere thanks to all who loved Helen and extended their support to her family during this difficult time. Visitation for Helen will be from 4 to 7 PM, on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at the Demaine Funeral Home at 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA, 22151. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Michaels Catholic Church, 7401 St. Michaels Lane, Annandale, VA 22003. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.demainefunerals.com for the Straight and Tidwell family.