Obituary: Lapinski, Centa Berta Helene
Age 84
LAPINSKI, Centa Berta Helene
Surrounded by her devoted family, Centa Berta Helene (Helen) Lapinski left us peacefully July 26, 2012.
Born May 9, 1928, in Munich, Germany, where she lived until introduced to Edward F. Lapinski at Fasching (German Mardi Gras).
It was love at first sight.
They married May 27, 1952 and for 60 years were forever “schatzis”.
The USAF provided the loving couple the opportunity to raise their five daughters throughout their travels from Dallas, TX to RAF Station Bentwaters, England; from Perrin Air Force Base, TX to Wiesbaden, Germany.
After a final stateside assignment to Glasgow AFB, MT, Edward retired and the family settled in Spokane, WA, in 1969.
In 1970, Helen began working at the Bon Marche as a sales clerk and retired in 1989.
She was tirelessly active at St. Charles Catholic Parish and Altar Society (St. Paul Guild) making enduring friendships.
A woman of unswerving faith and commitment to others, she was an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels and other charities.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Kreszentia Bayer, step-mother, Zenta (Oma Oma), and father Georg Loesel.
Helen is remembered fondly in the hearts of life-long friends; Charlotte Schrekengost, Marianne Hernandez and Hilde Swords, and many others whose friendships she valued profoundly.
Her family was her greatest passion.
She is survived by her loving husband, daughters Maggi (Tom) Drennon, Theresa Rodgers, Stephanie (Rick) Stewart, Vicki (Rik) Neis, and Tanja (Tom) Skierka.
She’s Oma to 12 grandchildren; Aaron (Erika) Drennon, Courtney Johnson, Nathan Snow, Jake and Kara Rodgers, Brittany and Ashley Stewart, Ryan (Jessica) and Jessica Akins, Olivia, Jack and Will Skierka and 10 great-grandchildren, Noah and Hailey Drennon, Brady, Caleb, and Dylan Johnson, Sydney Snow, Brookelyn Davis, Hallee Akins, Alexis and Jordan Akins.
Her life will be celebrated with a Rosary Vigil on August 3, 7PM at Hennessey Funeral Home and a Mass of Christian Burial on August 4, 10AM at St. Charles Church.
A private burial will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. Charles Catholic School Tuition Assistance fund in Spokane, WA.
Please visit Helen’s online tribute and leave a condolence at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements by: