Helen Virginia Clarke, 91, of Fredericksburg, Virginia passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24,2026 from Alzheimer’s Disease.

Helen was born in Washington, DC on July 3,1935 to the late Louis R Mittelstetter and Alice Elizabeth Taylor, where she lived until she married and moved to Prince George’s County Maryland in 1960.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She raised five children, enjoyed eleven grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She is survived by her three sons, Donald Clarke (Ellen), Rick Clarke (Becky), Joe Clarke (Lynn); her grandchildren Jason Clarke (Michelle), Evelyn Edwards (Jeff), Scott Clarke (Samantha), Kimberly Campbell (David), Jessica Hodges (Tommy Spears), Jennifer Farmer (Jeremy), Joey Abbott (Ashley), Craig Buchanan (Amy), Brian Buchanan (Ashley), Brandon Clarke, Michelle Clarke and numerous great grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Donald Clarke and her daughters, Donna Abbott and Patty Buchanan (Jeff).

Helen began her work life in 1968 working as a 411 Information Operator with C&P Telephone Company. After relocating to Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1981, she continued to commute to Marlow Heights, Maryland until she was able to transfer to the King Street location in Virginia.

In later years, she became a CNA providing direct patient care in various settings, assisting with daily activities and ensuring patient comfort.

Her family and many friends enjoyed many cookouts, kitchen table therapy sessions, Sunday dinners and numerous beach vacations in Ocean City, Nags Head and Myrtle Beach.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Laurel Hill Funeral Home, 10127 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553, with a reception to follow.

Flowers are welcome as well as donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.