Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Helen S. Vinluan, 77, a loving wife and mother as well as a Professional Engineer by degree who went on to get her Masters’ degree and practice as a Computer Analyst for Computer Science Corporation (working at NASA Goddard, in Greenbelt, MD before retiring like her husband of 51-years also a Professional Engineer), died February 11, 2023 at 3:07 p.m. in the Intensive Care Unit of the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA. Her death, from complications due to pneumonia, was confirmed by her family at her bedside. Mrs. Helen Vinluan was a longtime Oxon Hill resident. 

She was born Helen Sison Vinluan on June 22, 1945, to a civic-minded Filipino Catholic family in Urdaneta (City), Pangasinan (Province), and resided in Urdaneta (City) in the Philippines as eldest of seven (7) children to family-owned businessman Juan Ramos Sison and Alodia Sison. With the goal of gaining U.S. citizenship, she graduated from the University of the Philippines in Manila, Philippines, worked and passed her engineering Board Exam, fell in love and got married shortly after obtaining U.S. visa and travelling to Washington D.C., U.S.A. in June 1968 where one (1) week later she was joined by and then married her husband Rufino C. Vinluan, Jr. 

Rufino Vinluan III, also an Engineer, said in an interview: “I’m still trying to process… I can’t believe Mom passed. She was a very strong person in my life and yours too.” Buddy Vinluan, also an Engineer and Certified Construction Manager, described his mother “She always spoke frankly to the people she loved and never held grudges,” and “was only satisfied with the very best,” and echoed the sentiments of many who knew her well: “With my broken heart on the mend, she was always a healthy and happy person, especially with my Dad around. She is now at peace in heaven, I have no doubt! That will bring comfort in these trying times.” 

Mrs. Helen Vinluan enjoyed travelling around the world with her husband on his work-related assignments, including in Tel Aviv, Israel and Yanbu City, Saudi Arabia and travelled to the Philippines with her family from time to time in addition to several trips to Italy, Greece and other destinations in Europe. 

She was a devoted wife “Mama Helen” and “Ache Helen” and “Ante Helen” to her family and extended family, respectively always willing to lend a helping hand and listening ear when able. At St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church in Clinton, MD she sang as if she was in the Choir and had an open invitation to join but never did. Survivors include her children, Rufino J. Vinluan, III and Joyce Vinluan both of Fort Washington, MD., and Vladimir (Buddy) Vinluan of National Harbor, MD; grandchildren Gabriella, Nico, Rocco, Archer, Atlas; two brothers; two sisters to name a few. 
Thank you.

Relatives and friends are invited to Helen's Life Celebration on Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 and on Friday, February 24 from 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8908 Old Branch Avenue, Clinton, MD 20735. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, MD. 

Helen Sison Vinluan

Helen Sison Vinluan

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