Helene "Billee" Culin, beloved veterans advocate, proud Nana, avid knitter and crochet guru, died Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at Dobson Home of Hospice of the Valley. She was 74 years old.

Billee was born Helene Florence Kiefert in 1946 in San Antonio, TX, to parents Gloria and Ralph Kiefert. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sharee Lynn, in 2012, and her sister, Sandi Grippo, in 2017. She is survived by her husband, Taylor Culin, Mesa, AZ, children Kristopher (Jenny), Bristol, CT, Peter (Rachel), Mesa, AZ and grandchildren, Nathan and Agnes.

In 1968, after pondering what to do with her life, she enlisted in the U.S. Army, during the height of the Vietnam War. Naively, she figured the only way she could help stop the war was to join it, and she went on to proudly serve as secretary to General Westmoreland in the Pentagon.

Shortly after honorable discharge from the Army, Billee found a job as a secretary in a small insurance office, the start of her career in the insurance business.

On March 17, 1974, Billee married her husband Taylor. Her eldest, Kristopher, was born in 1978 followed by her twins, Sharee and Peter, just 360 days later in 1979! During this time, she was working full time, attended Mercy College full-time at night, and completed her Bachelor's in Business Management in just 4 years and 4 months, while having three babies in her last two years of school. Additionally, Billee worked in the Veterans Office at Mercy College helping veterans to receive their VA educational benefits.

Soon after her family relocated to Simsbury, CT, in 1987, she joined the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) in West Hartford, CT. Here, she advocated for veterans by serving as Chapter Director, State Council President, and National At-Large Director. She was commander for 8 years at the Abe E Miller American Legion Post 133 in South Windsor, CT.

After working in several insurance agencies with increasing responsibilities, Billee retired in 2008 as a Certified Insurance Counselor, handling servicing of large, multi-million-dollar commercial accounts.

Soon after Taylor's retirement in 2010, they relocated to Arizona, to be closer to their son Peter (Rachel). In 2012 and 2014, her two grandchildren, Nathan and Agnes, respectively, were born. The title of "Nana" was her most cherished and one she wore with pride.

Billee was an avid knitter and crocheter, winning many blue ribbons at "The Big E" in Massachusetts, the Arizona State Fair, and the Maricopa County Fair. She was also a collector of unique salt and pepper shakers.

Billee founded West Valley Chapter 1043, VVA. Billee supported veterans with her Service Officer expertise, leadership of Chapter fundraising activities, and the Help-A-Vet financial assistance program they started. She advocated for veterans as a member of the National VVA Agent Orange Committee. To thank Billee for her tireless efforts, West Valley Chapter 1043 was re-named: The Billee Culin West Valley Chapter 1043, VVA! In 2017, Billee was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society, 4980 S Alma School Rd, Suite A2-619, Chandler, AZ 85248. A virtual Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 2pm MST; details at www.gatheringus.com