Helen Bobby Anne Halbig - Obituary

elen “Aunt Bobby” Anne Halbig, a 35 year resident of Alexandria, Virginia and previously of Washington, D.C., died on Wednesday March 10, 2010 at Anne Arundel Medical Center. She was born on November 22, 1914 in Carroll, Iowa to the late Frank J. and Carrie W. Halbig, and was valedictorian of the St. Angela Academy, Class of 1932. In 1938 she moved to the Washington metropolitan area where she joined the staff of the U.S. Housing Authority. In 1940 she was selected to participate in an experimental USHA Apprentice Program which, in 1941, led to her promotion as housing sociologist. During World War II, Helen served as assistant director of night training at the School of American Women's Volunteer Services and as a member of the Civil Air Patrol. At the Federal Public Housing Administration (PHA) she served in many roles including supervisory management analysis officer in the Administrative Planning & Internal Audit Branch of the PHA and later became director of PHA's Administrative Planning Branch. In 1966, Halbig was assigned to the Office of Assistant Secretary for Administration to participate in the organization of the newly formed U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As the result of her contributions in the consolidation of 25 government agencies under the new HUD umbrella, Halbig was nominated as HUD's candidate for the Federal Woman's Award. She retired from public service in 1972 after nearly 35 years of public service. After retiring she had more time to devote to her civic activities including the League of Women Voters, serving on its Board of Directors and as co-chair of a two-year study of Virginia's health system. She was an active member of Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church in Alexandria, VA. Her hobbies included golf, boating, playing bridge with her many friends, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, eating crabs, as well as being an avid Redskins fans. Aunt Bobby is survived by her sister Lois Ernst of Kansas City, Missouri, and was predeceased by her brothers Fred and Joseph Halbig and her sisters Marie Halbig and Florence Cushman. Also survived by her nephews Michael (Denise) Cushman of Mandeville, LA, David (Gloria) Cushman of Forest, VA, and Carolyn “Beanie” (Stan) Chaney of Riva, MD, and many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to Aunt Bobby's Life Celebration on Friday from 7-9pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD, and on Saturday from 10:00am until Mass of Christian Burial which will be offered at 10:30 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.