Helen Geneva (Paur) Coupal

Cincinnati, OH – Helen Coupal passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 19, 2017.   Helen was born on February 21, 1930 in Pisek, North Dakota, she was the daughter of  Frank and Emma Paur and the sister of Evelyn Christopherson and  Vernon Paur.

Helen graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis, MN in 1948 and went on to earn a nursing degree from Kahler Hospital School of Nursing in September, 1951.  From the times growing up, to graduating from college, Helen made many, many life-long friends that she always kept in touch with and frequently visited.   Helen's nursing career included years at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY and the American Red Cross blood donation program in upstate New York.  There is no doubt that Helen touched the lives of many in a good way.

Shortly after graduation from college Helen married her husband of nearly 50 years, Don Jones Coupal (predeceased).  Together, they raised three children, Stephen Edward of Kalispell Montana, Jody Ann (Flaherty) of Cincinnati, Ohio and Don (Chip) Jr. of York, Maine, all surviving, successful and happy.   Today, there are 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.  Helen and Don's years of hard work and immense love created a wonderful family.

Helen enjoyed card playing; especially bridge and cribbage.  Her gutsy, cut-throat style, no doubt passed on to her children, made her the envy of those on the losing side.  Over the years she achieved sufficient ACBL points to become a Bronze Life MASTER of contract bridge, a feat achieved only by few.  Helen also proudly noted a successful 7 no-trump bid made and documented on June 7, 2001.  Many bridge players will mourn her passing; but they will also look forward to once again having a chance to win at the table.  Helen was also a great teacher and player of cribbage, never hesitating to take a quarter from anyone, including her own children.  "That'll teach ya!" she always said.   But, Helen most enjoyed spending time with her family whether it be while gardening, playing golf, boating or being at the family camp in northern New York's Adirondack Mountains.

Helen will be missed, never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, Helen wished that donations be made to the Methodist – Kahler School of Nursing Alumni Scholarship Fund at Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minnesota.  Funeral arrangements and burial services have been entrusted to Murphy Funeral Home in Palmyra, NY where Helen will be rejoined with her husband Don.