Helen Fay Tate

Helen Fay Tate, 89 of Indianapolis, IN, and formerly of Dayton, MD, passed away, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family. Helen was born September 23, 1933 in Rose Hill, VA, she was the daughter of the late Estie & Mary Hobbs. Helen moved at an early age to Dayton, where she attended school and later graduated in 1951 from Clarksville High. Helen met the love of her life Bob Tate through a mutual friend while attending the Four Square Church. Helen & Bob married in July of 1954, built a home in Dayton where they raised their family and lived for 60 years, before moving to Indianapolis to be closer to their daughter’s family. Helen had a long and prosperous 30-year career at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, before retiring in 1993. Helen supported her husband Bob as a mandolin player where he performed with his brother Jim and many other musicians. Over the years Helen & Bob enjoyed traveling to church organizations for fellowship and music and had a love for Bluegrass music festivals where they made many lifelong friendships. Helen was very fortunate to live near her immediate family where she enjoyed family gatherings and was known for being the photographer of the family. Helen will be remembered for her kind and loving spirit and infectious laugh. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Estie and Mary Hobbs, brothers, Earl, Paul and Kyle and sister Eula Simpson. Survivors include her loving husband of 68 years, Bob: daughter, Cindy Smith (Ken) of Carmel, grandchildren, Preston and Caroline, sister; Dotie Lowman (Tom) of Mt. Airy, MD and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023 from 2-4 pm at the Traditions at North Willow club house.