Helen D. Ference
December 7, 1934 ~ May 29, 2020
Helen Ference passed away peacefully on the morning of 29 May 2020 after suffering a severe stroke on 24 March. She was at home in Leesburg, VA and surrounded by her family.
Helen was born in December 1934 at home in Girard, Ohio to Albert and Freda Durig and was the eldest of three children. Growing up, she considered herself a country girl and loved to be outside, picking berries and participating in 4H. She still loved to pick strawberries, which she did as recently as last year at Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg, VA. She was outgoing from her early days and always “in the mix” of social activities. In high school, she was the cheerleader known for her amazing smile.
She married Steve Ference during a January snowstorm in 1955. Steve was in the Army when they married and they relocated to several places in the U.S. for the two years he was in the service before returning to Ohio. In the early 1960s, they moved to Bucks Country, PA where their children, Ken and later Amy came on the scene. In 1974, the family relocated to Vienna, VA. Helen worked in various part-time jobs while actively raising the kids, serving as a Girl Scout leader and carting them to various activities. She was also an energetic tennis player in the Shouse Village neighborhood club.
In the late 1970s, Helen joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where she served in various key assignments for over 20 years. She loved the work and the mission of the Agency and didn’t stay way long. Soon after retirement, she returned to CIA as an independent contractor for almost 15 years.
Helen was always a curious student of life and enjoyed learning new things. She loved to read and was up on current events. She was an enthusiastic traveler and traveled extensively across Europe and Scandinavia as well as multiple cruises in the Atlantic and Caribbean. This past February, she was on a 2-week cruise with one of the ports of call being New Orleans on Mardi Gras. She had a great time and obtained a lot of beads, which we hope she didn’t get the traditional way. For many years, Helen and Steve were Florida “Snowbirds” and spent winters at their condo in Naples, FL. They loved their time in Naples with family and friends and away from the chill in Virginia.
In 2003, they moved from Vienna to River Creek in Leesburg, VA. They soon became active members of the community, making many dear friends. Helen was an avid Bridge player and could be found at the club house several days a week playing competitive Bridge.
Helen was a fabulous cook and enjoyed entertaining. She was very social with the gift of gab. She would easily strike up a conversation with anyone and would often report that, “I met the most interesting person.” It didn’t matter the location, grocery store, traveling, or social gathering, she always met new people and always had a story to share.
Helen was a strong, independent woman who touched many lives and will be dearly missed. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Steve Ference; son, Ken Ference of Girard, OH; daughter, Amy Ference Kraynack, son-in-law James Kraynack and grandson Nicholas Kraynack all of Ashburn, VA; sister and brother-in-law, Deane and Dean Dravis of Girard, OH; brother Keith Durig of Warren, OH; and brother-in-law John Kish of Davie, FL. Helen’s loving nieces and nephews: Doreen (Dravis) and Joe Svarny, George Dravis, Keith Durig Jr., Jonathan Durig, Andrew Durig, Daniel Durig, John Jr. and Kathy Kish; and Susan (Kish) and Sam Lilly and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
There will be no service at this time due to the coronavirus. The family plans a celebration of life in the coming months when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Helen was born in December 1934 at home in Girard, Ohio to Albert and Freda Durig and was the eldest of three children. Growing up, she considered herself a country girl and loved to be outside, picking berries and participating in 4H. She still loved to pick strawberries, which she did as recently as last year at Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg, VA. She was outgoing from her early days and always “in the mix” of social activities. In high school, she was the cheerleader known for her amazing smile.
She married Steve Ference during a January snowstorm in 1955. Steve was in the Army when they married and they relocated to several places in the U.S. for the two years he was in the service before returning to Ohio. In the early 1960s, they moved to Bucks Country, PA where their children, Ken and later Amy came on the scene. In 1974, the family relocated to Vienna, VA. Helen worked in various part-time jobs while actively raising the kids, serving as a Girl Scout leader and carting them to various activities. She was also an energetic tennis player in the Shouse Village neighborhood club.
In the late 1970s, Helen joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where she served in various key assignments for over 20 years. She loved the work and the mission of the Agency and didn’t stay way long. Soon after retirement, she returned to CIA as an independent contractor for almost 15 years.
Helen was always a curious student of life and enjoyed learning new things. She loved to read and was up on current events. She was an enthusiastic traveler and traveled extensively across Europe and Scandinavia as well as multiple cruises in the Atlantic and Caribbean. This past February, she was on a 2-week cruise with one of the ports of call being New Orleans on Mardi Gras. She had a great time and obtained a lot of beads, which we hope she didn’t get the traditional way. For many years, Helen and Steve were Florida “Snowbirds” and spent winters at their condo in Naples, FL. They loved their time in Naples with family and friends and away from the chill in Virginia.
In 2003, they moved from Vienna to River Creek in Leesburg, VA. They soon became active members of the community, making many dear friends. Helen was an avid Bridge player and could be found at the club house several days a week playing competitive Bridge.
Helen was a fabulous cook and enjoyed entertaining. She was very social with the gift of gab. She would easily strike up a conversation with anyone and would often report that, “I met the most interesting person.” It didn’t matter the location, grocery store, traveling, or social gathering, she always met new people and always had a story to share.
Helen was a strong, independent woman who touched many lives and will be dearly missed. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Steve Ference; son, Ken Ference of Girard, OH; daughter, Amy Ference Kraynack, son-in-law James Kraynack and grandson Nicholas Kraynack all of Ashburn, VA; sister and brother-in-law, Deane and Dean Dravis of Girard, OH; brother Keith Durig of Warren, OH; and brother-in-law John Kish of Davie, FL. Helen’s loving nieces and nephews: Doreen (Dravis) and Joe Svarny, George Dravis, Keith Durig Jr., Jonathan Durig, Andrew Durig, Daniel Durig, John Jr. and Kathy Kish; and Susan (Kish) and Sam Lilly and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
There will be no service at this time due to the coronavirus. The family plans a celebration of life in the coming months when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
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Helen will be greatly missed in River Creek. Not only was she a lovely lady, she was always interested In people and how they were doing. I am lucky to have to known her.
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Helen was one of my favorite bridge players. She was always in a good mood and always kind to others. Marlys
So sad to hear of Helen’s passing, but I know she had a wonderful life. I knew her when she worked at the Agency and we often had lunch together there until her move to Leesburg. I was not in contact with her much after that, but I recall well that she enjoyed her life there. She was always concerned that her husband would predecease her. My impression was that he had a lot more health issues than she did. So sad for you all. She will be missed. Please accept my deepest condolences, Sandy Crowley 1830 Susquehannock Drive McLean VA 22101 P.S. Please let me know when there is a service.