Helen Maxine Coffman

Helen grew up in Nebraska with her older brother Gerald "Geb" and younger brother Wayne. She was baptized on January 21, 1948. Helen had a wide array of cousins and friends who she kept in close contact with throughout her life, often traveling back to attend family events and high school reunions. She kept tabs on life in Nebraska by reading the Cambridge Clarion.

After high school, Helen moved to Denver, Colorado, where she attended Barnes Business College. After she graduated, she went to work for Denver Trolly. While in Denver she met her husband, Robert Coffman, who she was married to for 35 years until his death in 1999. Robert and Helen moved to Montrose, Colorado where she worked for the Department of the Interior. They later moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where she worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs for 27 years, retiring as the Chief of the Loan Guaranty Division.

Following her retirement, Helen moved to Longmont, Colorado to be near her mother, Gladys, and brother, Wayne. She volunteered at Longmont United Hospital for 17 years. While in Longmont she met her longtime partner, Paul Shapard in 2001. Paul and Helen enjoyed traveling extensively and dining out. Helen learned to play golf for the love of her life. They enjoyed attending football and baseball games together, and family gatherings. Paul faithfully visited Helen and continued to escort her around Longmont through her last days.

Helen is survived by Paul Shapard, her nephews Mike, Mark, Wayne, Steve, and Robert Brooks, her nieces Myra Minnick and Patti Brooks, several great-nephews and nieces and great-great nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Gladys Brooks, her brothers, Gerald and Wayne Brooks, and niece, Lisa Gartner.

Helen's graveside service will be at Mountain View Memorial Park, Boulder, Colorado, on August 25, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., with a viewing at 9:30 a.m. at Crist Mortuary in Boulder, Co. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude's Children's Hospital on her behalf.