Helen Louise Supan

Helen Louise (King) Supan, 77, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, passed away January 16, 2014, after a valiant 18 month fight against pancreatic cancer. Paul Supan, her devoted, loving husband of 58 years and their dedicated, loving daughters, Marilyn Supan, Lynne (Harry) Smith and Pamela (Terry) Salinas, were at her bedside. Paul and Marilyn provided 24/7 care and support throughout the course of the disease, both at home and at the hospital. Helen was the youngest of 9 children, born March 22, 1936, in Grand Island, Nebraska. She never knew her father Ned, who died when she was 21 months old. Two weeks after her 9th birthday, she experienced the tragic loss of her mother Eva, and was subsequently cared for by her brother Bud (Floyd) and other older siblings. She and her brother Jack eventually moved to North Loop, Nebraska, where they lived with their sister Eunice and her family. She is preceded in death by brothers Bud, Bill and Jack, sisters Edna, Eunice and Arelene; survived by sisters Betty McClean and Bonnie (Vern) Schroeder. Starting at age 15, she spent summers in Denver, with sisters Betty and Arlene, working at Rockybilt Hamburger restaurants. She enjoyed Denver and decided to move here permanently, after high school graduation. She continued to waitress at Rockybilt, where she met the love of her life, Paul Supan. After a two month courtship, they married in 1955 and had 3 daughters in as many years, starting in 1956. After all 3 girls were in school, Helen decided to work outside the home, and for 10 years, was a school bus driver for Jefferson County. During an extended strike, she left the county, to drive for RTD, where she retired after 11 years of service. When Paul retired, the two began their extensive 10 year, mini-van travel adventures, covering 49 states and Canada. They also vacationed in Hawaii, Spain and Portugal. Helen was an avid reader, enjoyed theatre, concerts, movies, musicals, bingo, trips to ""the hills"" and playing cards with the girls and was a huge Broncos and Rockies fan. Carnations were her favorite flower and she loved Hummingbirds. She was kind, considerate to everyone and a true friend. What Helen treasured most was her family and she gave them her unconditional love, each and every day. She started and carried on many family traditions, including every year on their birthday, making each daughter's favorite dinner. With the birth of granddaughter Hannah, Helen's family circle was complete. Her arrival dramatically changed Helen and Paul's life together, officially opening Grandma and Grandpa daycare; roles they welcomed and embraced with loving, open arms. When she started school in 2006, their care continued and for the past 7 years, Helen and Paul spent every Tuesday and Thursday, volunteering at Ave Maria School in Parker, successfully helping hundreds of kindergartners learn to read. Of course, they had lunch with their granddaughter, took her home after school and helped her with homework. One of Helen's highlights over the past 18 months was learning how to use her i-pad, trying new apps, taking pictures, and playing games with her granddaughter. Helen, forever young at heart, was known by Hannah's classmates as the grandma who owned and played with a Nintendo DSI. To Hannah, she was the ""Best Grandma Ever!"" Helen never asked, ""Why Me?"" It was through her complete faith that she would state, ""I am going to be fine. Don't worry!"" Your battle is over – Rest in Peace Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 24, 2014 at Holy Name Catholic Church, 3290 W. Milan Avenue, Sheridan, CO at 8:45 am. The Committal will take place immediately following the Mass, at 10:15 am, at Ft. Logan National Cemetery. A reception will be held at Holy Name Catholic Church, St. Agnes Center, following the Committal. Please share memories and condolences at horancares.com.