Helen Mae Sipko Leden

On March 8, 2021, Helen Mae Sipko Leden of Roanoke, Va., passed away 45 days shy of her 104th birthday following a fall in her home at the end of January. Helen was reunited with the love of her life, her husband George, and two of their children, DiAnne and Lynn.

Helen, the youngest of six children, was born on April 21, 1917, in Salamanca, N.Y. She and George were married on May 20, 1939, in Salamanca, where they lived for 15 years. George and Helen moved their family to Roanoke, Va., in 1954, and built the home where Helen lived until her passing. Helen worked part-time for several years at the former Oasis Restaurant, but she was happiest managing her beautiful home and being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her loving family.

She is survived by her son, Dennis (Emily) of Sequim, Wash.; daughter, Leslee of Fairfax Station, Va.; grandchildren, Richard Corcoran of Kyle, Texas, Kat Corcoran (Jose) of Chicago, Ill., Steven Corcoran (Marnie) of Takoma, Wash., Chelsea Bollea (Bill) of Los Angeles, Calif., and Drew Bollea (Lindsay) of Charlotte, N.C.; and great-grandsons, Cade and Crew Bollea of Charlotte, N.C. She is also survived by several nieces, including Joan Jedrzejek of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; nephews, including David Schwalb of Dallas, Texas; and her beloved little dog, KC. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Paul Bollea, and daughter-in-law, Betty Merle.

A visitation will be held Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 2 until 4 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, to celebrate Helen’s strength, determination, and love for her family. Fr. Anthony Ferguson will offer prayers during the visitation. In lieu of flowers donations in Helen's memory can be made to Meals on Wheels or Rescue Mission of Roanoke.