Helen Raiser

Helen Elizabeth Raiser, 92, passed with peace and grace into God’s arms on January 19, 2022. She was born on January 31, 1929 in Port Chester, New York to Alfred and Rose Neumeister. She was the youngest of three and had two older brothers. In her younger years she was chosen President of The Junior Council in Girl Scouts and excelled in shorthand in high school.  She participated in clothing drives for donation and was also a member of the Alpine Climbing Club. Helen started her first job in New York as a secretary, where she met the man she would marry, Robert Raiser. They wed on September 3, 1949 and enjoyed 50 wonderful years together. The happy couple was blessed with two children, Barbara and Susan. In 1960, the family moved to Houston, Texas. Helen worked as a legal assistant for many years until 1981 when Helen and Robert followed their two daughters to Aurora, Colorado to be closer to their family.

Helen was devoted to her family and it was one of the most important things in her life. She spent time with her children and granddaughters, Megan and Jacynda (both born in 1985), every chance that she got. She loved taking family trips and stealing the grandkids for a weekend sleepover. She was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church, participating in Prime Timers and Jeremiah Gals. She was in charge of bake sales, craft fairs and food drives at Faith and volunteered with Operation Christmas Child for many years (and even hosted the preparation event in her home!).  She also cared for numerous pets while friends were away; one of her main loves in her life was animals and she said this was a good way to get her “fix” after her own pets had passed. Helen enjoyed swimming, camping, baking, crafting/knitting and loved having visitors to her home.  Helen loved helping others any chance she got. She was always someone that people could count on; whether it was to lend a listening ear, give a ride somewhere or gift her famous zucchini bread (which was often requested). Helen embraced her German heritage and loved displaying her steins and Hummels. She and Robert loved listening to their German music.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Barbara (Rich) Marcellus and Susan (Cindy) Raiser, as well as her two granddaughters, Megan (Nick) Fankhauser and Jacynda Raiser. Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband Robert, and brothers Robert and Charlie Neumeister.

She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend whose greatest priority was the happiness of others. Her sense of humor, selflessness and caring heart will leave us rich in memories. She was truly one-of-a-kind and her family is blessed to have shared all of the wonderful years they were able to.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, 1/28/2022, at 10:00am at Horan and McConaty Family Chapel, 11150 East Dartmouth Avenue, Aurora, CO 80014 (303-745-4418).

Memorial contributions are welcome at Faith Presbyterian Church , 11373 East Alameda Avenue, Aurora, CO 80012 (303-364-7271) and Denver Hospice, thedenverhospice.org , or 8299 East Lowry Boulevard, Denver, CO 80230 (303-418-3000).