Margaret Helen Short

Margaret Helen Short was born January 14, 1926 to Oliver O. and Mildred Beavers Cobb in the east Texas logging town of Call. Helen grew up in Beaumont and China, Texas. On January 30, 1946 she married the love of her life, James Arthur Short. They moved around the oil patch of Texas and Louisiana, eventually going overseas to Trinidad, Iran and Egypt. They moved to Colorado Springs from Denver full-time in 1982 where he retired in 1983.

In New Orleans she gave birth to her three children: Sharon (Christopher) Iversen, Susan (fiance' Don Whitman) McKnight and James Arthur Jr. (Brenda). Her beloved grandchildren Nicole Plowman and Travis Short were her pride and joy. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins that she counted as her own children, as well as a multitude of friends she cherished.

How to sum up the life of an extraordinary woman? An eager world traveler, rock hound, birdwatcher, seamstress par excellence, candy maker whose fudge was renowned near and far, and a voracious reader. She was all this and so much more.

Helen's favorite place in the whole world was the family cabin on Gold Camp Road where she spent her summers for the past 50 years. She was happiest when surrounded by her extended family. Helen's lifelong best friends were her sisters Dot Tesson and Lois Rogers. She adored and was adored in return by hundreds of children. Lucky indeed was the child who came into her orbit. She was a tireless planner of adventures and an instigator of fun.

Secure in her Christian faith, Helen was a soldier for Christ who embodied the Christian tenets of faith, love and hope.

An untiring volunteer wherever she lived, Helen's passion was working with developmentally disabled and autistic children. Her own children benefited from her unceasing support. She was always to be found cheering them on whether it was scouts, piano lessons or sports. They were fortunate to bask in her unconditional love.

We lost this amazing woman December 23, 2014 when she was eased into heaven by the caring staff of Pikes Peak Hospice. She was surrounded, as always, by her loving family.

A memorial service will be held December 28 at two o'clock at her nephew Reverend Greg Rogers's church, First United Methodist in Vidor, Texas. A celebration of her life will be held in Colorado Springs at the Village Seven Presbyterian Church in January.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you consider a donation to Village Seven Presbyterian Church or another

charity of your choice

, in her name.