Helen John

For 95 years, Helen John graced the World with her love of family, and faith. She was born in Mancos, Colorado on June 12, 1928 to Jose Marez and Jessica Candelaria; sister to two siblings. She grew up on the family farm. When she was working as a waitress in a small cafe she met Earl John. They hit it off right away and fell deeply in love. They were married two weeks after that initial meeting, and remained married for 58 years, until Earl's death in 2006.

Earl and Helen moved to Englewood, Colorado following their marriage and began raising their family. They saw a need for a Catholic church in their neighborhood, like many others did. They were contributing members to helping Holy Name Catholic Church take it's roots and were one of the first parishoners.

Outside of the Catholic church, Helen had an illustrious career as an independant house keeper and nannie. Many of the homes she took care of, she did for years, and was regarded as family. She reared generations of children for her influential clients, and she was well rewarded for her hard work and dedication.

When she wasn't working or attending church, Helen was busy with her three children, and then her 4 grandchildren, and then her 9 great-grandchildren. She could make tortillas likety split, and made the best Navajo tacos at Christmas time for her family. She also really thought on how to care for her family for generations, making sure every child had money down for a new home and that grandchildren and great-grandchildren had savings accounts. Helen was also a master quilter, loved to crochet and needle point, but most importantly read. She read a new murder mystery novel every single week being partial to James Patterson and the like.

She never asked you if you "could please grab...", she would always say "I'll let ya..." and then point with her lips. She enjoyed very rare prime rib, and was super specific about her apple pie. She was well thought of in Central City and at the Bingo hall. She never left the house without her red lipstick, and her favorite diamond stud earrings, the bigger the stud, the better.

Helen passed away on June 28, 2023 in Englewood, Colorado. She joins her mother and father, brother, Alfred "Freddie" Marez; and her beloved husband, Earl.

Helen's legacy are the 3 generations that follow her, including her sons, David (Kandis) and Fred (Sheri); her daughter Jessica; her grandchildren, Jeremy (Nikki), Niki, Jesse (Katie), Kaylee (Paul), and her great grandchildren, Mason, Talon, Cody, Devlynn, Corbin, Caidynn, Malikiah, Jeremiah and Morrison. She is also survived by extended family members and friends.

A visitation for Helen will be held Monday, July 10, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, with a rosary service to follow at 10:30 AM, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 AM, all at Holy Name Catholic Church, 3290 W. Milan Ave., Englewood, CO 80110. A reception will follow at St. Agnes directly across the parking lot.

Helen will be laid to rest in Ft. Logan National Cemetery, on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 1PM, Committal Shelter A.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.advantagerunyan-stevenson.com for the John family.