Helen Mavis Nelsen, 97, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 25.
Helen was born on May 12, 1916, in El Centro California, to the Rev. William F. and Cora Ellen (Hornaday) Harper. She grew up and attended school in Sidney, Nebraska. Moving to Denver as a young woman she attended Emily Griffith Opportunity School, and then went to work for the IRS and later, the Department of Energy. She finished her working career as a paralegal in her husband’s law office.
Helen and her husband, James M. Nelsen, loved to travel, visiting over 100 countries. They were avid skiers and hockey fans. She was a long-time member of the First Avenue Presbyterian Church.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, and her children, Sharon Schnitker and Michael Faith.
She is survived by her son-in-law Jerry Schnitker, grandchildren Dana, Christopher (Mary), and Brook (Jodi) Schnitker, great-grandsons Joshua and Garret, and great-granddaughters Shawna and Tiffany Schnitker, all of California; granddaughter Tristen Faith (Mark) Porter , and great-granddaughters Annie and Claire Porter of Beulah, Colorado; and niece Bobbie (Bob) Knorr, of Aurora.
A memorial service is planned at Fairmount Mortuary Chapel, at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, October 3, 2013.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the First Avenue Presbyterian Church, 120 W. First Ave., Denver, 80223; or to Children’s Hospital, 13100 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora, 80045.