Think of you every day, Helen, and am so grateful you came into my life.  Pava was a big part of my life as a child.  You already lived in Denver when we became reacquainted in the early 1990's.
You will always be remembered in my prayers.
Mary Ann Coffelt Schmitt


Aunt Helen was a caring, loving, strong, God loving woman.  She and Uncle Roy were always happy to see us and had a smile on their faces.  I have lots of fond and happy memories of being their niece.  

So sorry to read about Helen.  It seems as if all the old crowd is thinning out.  I do  miss all the smiling faces and all the holy people at St Rose.  Helen will be missed.  jr

Helen's parents and my grandparents came to America from Yugoslavia at just about the same time.  Both families had the same last name (Rasich), but as far as Helen and I knew the families were not related.  Helen was a part of my mom's (Mary Rasich) life as was her mother Pava (Pauline).  Helen was in my mom's wedding party as a flower girl.  The last time I saw Pava was in 1976, but somehow Helen and I reconnected years years later.  Helen had spoken or had seen my, sister on one of my sisters visits to Denver, so Helen called me one day and there was the beginning of a wonderful friendship through phone calls and letters over the last 20 years.
The picture of Roy and Helen that is shown in the memory and messages is one that I have remembered since my early childhood in California.  As a child every time we went to visit Pava my sister and I would see two things.  One was the massive needlework of the Last Supper on the wall that Pava had hand stitched, and the second thing was this wedding photo of the most beautiful two people we had ever seen in a prominent place in Pava's home.  I thought they were movie stars.  Sometime after the year 2000, Helen and I would pick each other's memories of the past to see what kind of geneology records we could come up with.  Neither of us was able to come up with any dates of our grandparents and her parent’s arrival to this country, nor could we discern many facts about their adjustment in settling in America.  But each of our conversations would end up centered around our family's past.
When the birthday card I sent to Helen this  October  was returned to me unopened after 3 weeks, I was devastated.    Helen told me she would be moving to a residential care facility once she got out of the hospital.  Unable to find her at the one place she told me she would be entering, my hopes for her wellbeing and continued friendship were dashed. My sympathy to the family.
May this beautiful lady in life rest in eternal peace.

My dad, Bruce, met me when I was 3. He lived next door to my grandparents. And he was my grandfather’s best friend. My grandfather passed away in 1993 at Cherry Creek Reservior while on the pilgrimage to see our Pope John Paul II.  Bruce and my mom found each other and their faith. They got married on August 15, 1995. And I’ll never forget that day. Helen and Roy stood at the altar with Bruce, Becky, my sister Tammy and I. While we all held hands, God blessed my mom and dad. Helen and Roy welcomed my sister and I into their family, open arms, like we were theirs. And as Bruce says, because you were theirs. 

When I think of Helen and Roy, this is what I’ll always say...

You two were a testament of love. Through a World War, marriage, children and adversities of life unimaginable, you kept going. Kept your faith. And became an example for those who saw you. 
I think it’s because after all those years, when it was just the two of you, you both saw that teenager and Navy medic staring back at each other. 
I can only imagine what it looked like when  you and Roy saw the other again after all these years. You, with your porcelain doll face and him, healthy, young and with those strong arms he held you in. And my heart smiles. 
As Father Nick said today, you’ve ran the marathon for us. And now our job, our example of the Grace you gave, is to continue to be kind. To welcome people into our lives with open arms. And as he said, Faith, Hope and Love....they are supernatural virtues. And I promise to pray and be this example for you everyday. 
I love you. 

Aunt Helen was married to my fathers younger brother,  Roy.   Helen was a very fun and joyful Aunt !  She taught me and my older brother a lot of things when we were young.  I'll always have great memories of Helen and the entire family was great fun to get together with.  

DEATH LEAVES A HEARTACHE NO ONE CAN HEAL

HELEN LEAVES MEMORIES NO ONE CAN STEAL !!

I don’t think Helen ever met a stranger; the first time I attended Mass at St Rose, I sat behind she & Roy  and they welcomed me with open arms!  From that time on, we’ve been friends.  I’m sorry for your (our) loss but happy for her!  Rest In Peace Helen & save a seat for me!

Helen was a very special lady.  Some of my fondest memories of her were of the walks that we used to take. I was fortunate to be invited to go along with Helen and my Mom on their frequent walks around the lake at Huston Park.  Helen greeted everyone that came within hearing distance.  So many people felt the goodness and love that she extended to all.  I will miss her.  My heartfelt thoughts and sympathy go out to her family.

So sorry to hear the news about Helen.    She was always positive and always concerned about how others were doing.   It is a real loss to St Rose to not have Helen and Roy around.   God bless them both.   Fr Jerry

OBITUARY

Helen Therese Mills

4 October, 1924 – 22 November, 2018

Olinger Moore Howard Chapel

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