Helene Berman Karpa (95), a third‑generation native Washingtonian, died on March 20, 2026, at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland.

A lifelong leader and devoted volunteer in Jewish and Zionist organizations, Helene gave decades of dedicated service to Hadassah, an organization that was central to her life and values. She served as President of the Greater Washington Area Chapter of Hadassah from 1972 to 1975, later became a National Vice President, and was a member of Hadassah’s National Board of Directors for 34 years. Over the course of her distinguished volunteer career, she held numerous leadership roles, including work with the Washington Task Force, Chair of Career Woman, and, for 15 years, National Exhibit and Display Chair.

Professionally trained in the arts, Helene brought creativity, thoughtfulness, and a keen visual eye to her volunteer work. Until her retirement in 2005, she oversaw the Communications Department at Hadassah’s National Office, where she directed the design and production of national art, print, digital, video, and exhibit materials—helping to shape the organization’s public voice with clarity and care.

Helene was deeply engaged in the Washington Jewish community. She served as President of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Washington from 1984 to 1986 and was a devoted member of Adas Israel Congregation, where her great‑grandfather, Louis Garner, was a founding member.

Raised in the District of Columbia, Helene attended Washington Public Schools and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1949. She went on to study at Marjorie Webster Junior College and later graduated cum laude from Ohio University in 1952 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She was a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority and Delta Phi Delta Honorary Art Fraternity. In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Helene worked professionally as an interior decorator and a travel agent, careers that reflected her creativity, organization, and love of beauty and exploration.

Beyond her leadership and service, Helene had a lifelong love of fine art and the theater. She regularly commuted to New York City, where she delighted in seeing nearly every show, on or off Broadway. The theater brought her joy, inspiration, and connection, and she remained an avid and knowledgeable audience member throughout her life.

In her later years, Helene continued her intellectual pursuits through advanced learning classes and was a dedicated attendee at the Johns Hopkins University Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Helene married Morton Karpa in 1953; he preceded her in death in 2002. She is survived by her children, Jeffrey Karpa, Jennifer Karpa, and Carol Karpa, and by her grandson, Sean Karpa.

A memorial to celebrate her life will be held on March 26, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Maplewood Park Place, 9707 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, Maryland. Reception to follow until 8pm.