Helene Geffen

Helene Geffen, devoted mother, wife, sister and friend passed away on Friday April 3, 2020. She was 88 years old. Born October 31, 1931 in Breithardt, Germany, Helene (affectionately called Leni by her friends and family) grew up during the war years in a small village near the Black Forest. She excelled in schoolwork, as well as life skills. As a young woman, she worked in Wiesbaden, Germany, where she met William (Bill) Geffen, who was in Germany on military assignment. Their love for each other carried them through a life of adventure.

After a few years in Berlin, where their first daughter was born, Helene traveled to the United States with Bill. She had three more daughters within the next few years, and learned English on her own while Bill was at work, building his career as an Air Force Officer. Helene was an amazing cook, seamstress, and hostess, making friends everywhere she went. Over the years, the family traveled with Bill’s assignments, from the US Pentagon, to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, to Wiesbaden Germany, back to the Academy and then to the Defense Foreign Language Institute in Monterey, CA. During their second tour of duty at the Academy, Bill was sent to Viet Nam on special assignment, and Helene ably ran the homefront, wrangling four teenage daughters on her own.

Helene loved the military life and the many lifelong friendships made along the way. Bill’s last assignment as a Permanent Professor at the Academy was a source of great pride to Helene, knowing their teamwork had made his accomplishments possible. They eventually retired in Colorado Springs, home to her beloved mountains.

Helene spent many years devoted to raising her children, sharing her love of life and sense of adventure with her family and friends. Later in life, she rejoined the workforce as a teacher at the Greenshades School in Colorado Springs, raising another generation of children. Parents and children alike fell in love with her. An avid gardener and voracious reader, her greatest love was spending time with her family. She and Bill traveled often to see their daughters and their families.

Helene was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Ret. Col. William Geffen. She is greatly missed by her daughters Charlette Geffen (Robert Degan), Patricia Spencer (Kerr), Joanne Cooper (John) and Diane Pamel (Stan). She is also survived by her brother, Karlheinz Bielak, thirteen grandchildren, Michael and Charles Degan; Elena and Corinne Spencer; Luke, Adam, Philip, Jonathan and Aaron Pamel; Laura Runyan; and Peter, Danny and Jesse Cooper; as well as four great-grandchildren.

Her family and friends mourn her loss. Due to the ongoing public health crisis, services will not be held. Memorial condolences for the family can be left at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/colorado-springs-co/helene-geffen-9111709