To know Helen was to know what it felt like to stand in summer grass with soft sunshine. A few words to describe her were compassionate, kind, gentle, and patient. She was a well organized, efficient, smart woman who in her life was called by many names: adored daughter, beloved mother, awesome grandmother, and dear sister. This is a part of her story.
Helen Marjorie Wilkinson started her life as an adored daughter on December 21, 1928 as Helen Marjorie Michell in Byers, Colorado. She was born to parents, George D. and Emma Michell, and will be remembered as a well loved daughter. She went to high school in Strasburg, Colorado, and then on to the University Of Colorado for several years.
She met and married Art Yaich, and was given the title of beloved mother to their son, Steven. She also attended the Presbyterian School of Nursing for several years. Sadly, Art passed away, and Helen had to pave a way for her son. She stopped attending nursing school, and began working at a hospital for those with special needs. She met and married Alfred Christopherson, and joining Steven, were children, Diane, Stan, Denise, and Anita. Her children remember her as a very good cook, making homemade fried chicken, mash potatoes and gravy, and peanut brittle, to name a few of their favorites. She made wigs, kept a beautiful garden, and loved to travel. She was also a great seamstress, and master of the dying art of canning.
She started working in Littleton, Colorado at the Gallup school as a teacher's aide. The school was devoted to educating those with special needs, which tells you some about Helen's character. She was obviously very compassionate, and will be remembered by all of those students for her kindness and patience. Later in her life marrying Bill Floyd Wilkinson. The family grew again, with the addition of Bill's children, Cheryl and Brad.
Helen continued to be a teacher's aide for special needs kids, and often volunteered her time at Newton Middle School in Centennial. Her family grew more, and she received a title she held near and dear to her heart, and took very special care of: Awesome Grandma. Justin, Matt, Nick, Brandon, Tyler, Sterling, Tanner, Jacqueline, and Julie were all very beloved by Grandma Helen.
She also became mom again, this time to a 4 legged Docson named Hans. It sounds as though Hans was very spoiled, and well loved.
Helen passed away in her home of over 50 years in Centennial, on August 16th. She joins her husband, Art; son, Steven; ex-husband, Alfred; husband, Bill, parents. She leaves behind 4 children, 2 step-children, 9 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and sisters, Barbara and Joan.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 23, 2019 at 10AM at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary in Centennial. Helen will be laid to rest later.
