Abington – Helen L. (Fisher) Ripley 95, a longtime resident of Abington and co-owner of the former Rip’s Wholesale, Inc. in Abington, died peacefully with her two loving children at her side in her last home, the Norwell Knoll Nursing Facility, on Tuesday January 3. She was the beloved wife of the late Meredith L. Ripley.
Born in Abington October 21, 1916, she was the daughter of the late William C. and Grace L. (Stoddard) Fisher, and a graduate of Abington High School Class of 1934, and where she acquired lifelong bookkeeping and business skills. She immediately put her job skills to use and was employed at New England Art Publishing Co for several years. In 1946 the family business began from their Randolph Street home in West Abington.
An active member of the United Church of Christ and its Women’s Fellowship, she enjoyed music, knitting, doing crossword puzzles, playing games and participating in activities with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She had enjoyed world travel and hosted several foreign exchange students who became extended members of the entire Ripley family. Along with her husband Rip, she was an active member of the Abington Rotary, and a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Gail Miller and her husband Don of Middleboro, her son Jeffrey Ripley and his wife Marylou of Pembroke, her daughter-in-law Debra Ripley of Abington, her brother Richard Fisher of Maine and her sisters-in-law Myrtle Bates of Abington and Edna Ripley of E. Providence, RI. She is also survived by four grandchildren, five great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her sister Dorothy and her brother Russell.
Visiting hours will be held Sunday January 8 from 2-6 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. A celebration of life service will be held Monday January 9 at 11 AM in the United Church of Christ 10 Bedford Street (Rte. 18) Abington. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Abington.
In the spirit of her generosity to others, in lieu of flowers Helen had requested you consider memorial donations to the United Church of Christ – 300th Anniversary Renovation Fund, Box 2025, Abington, MA 02351 or to the Activities Department @ Norwell Knoll Nursing Center, 329 Washington Street, Norwell, MA 02061.
For online condolences and directions please visit www.blanchardfc.com.