Helen Chizick McHale OBITUARY Helen Chizick McHale left this world on Friday, December 6th, 2024, to embark on her next great adventure. Yes, we said adventure—because if you knew Helen, you knew she was always chasing her next horizon, learning something new, or plotting her next journey to somewhere remarkable. Helen was a force of nature in the most magical way.
She never met a stranger, only friends she hadn’t spoken to yet. Whether through her warm smile, a kind word, or a pep talk that felt like sunshine on a cloudy day, Helen had a unique gift for making everyone feel seen, heard, and truly special. Born on January 24th, 1945, Helen spent her life lighting up the world around her.
From her career as Postmaster in Croghan, NY, to owning and operating a bed and breakfast in Port Leyden, NY, to managing several rental properties where she treated her tenants with unparalleled kindness or being a volunteer EMT in Port Leyden for over 25 years. Helen wore many hats—all with grace and enthusiasm. After moving to Chesapeake, Virginia, Helen continued to fill her days with purpose and joy.
She volunteered at Sentara Leigh Hospital, actively participated at St. Stephen the Martyr, and wove herself into the daily lives of her children and grandchildren. Her energy and enthusiasm were her superpowers.
Helen had a passion for “rescuing” counted cross-stitch pieces from local thrift stores, believing that if people understood the time and care put into each piece, they’.
