Helen Louise Garrigues

Helen Louise Garrigues ascended to the spiritual world on Sunday morning, October 9, 2011, after 97 years of a joyous life. Helen was a shining example whose love for others brightened our days. Her tender smile, quiet strength and generosity were an inspiration to all. Helen was born on February 7, 1914, in Victoria, Texas, to Samuel Rayburn and Ella Myrta Rich Nicks. She graduated from San Jacinto High School in Houston, Texas. Following graduation in 1937 from the University of Houston, she began her career in education. In 1942, while teaching in Woodville, Texas, she met Lt. Lester M. Garrigues on a blind date, was quickly swept up in his love and married on Friday the 13th of November. At the age of 28, the "old maid" school teacher, as she referred to herself, and the dashing officer began a life of adventure and travel, living in numerous places in the US, China and Japan. The intensity of their love was evident, growing ever stronger for 69 years. Following Lester's retirement from the Air Force, they moved to Fort Collins in 1962 and opened the gift shop "Imports by Garrigues". Helen taught at Livermore and Bennett elementary schools in the Poudre School District from 1962 to 1979. She loved her students and was always excited to find new ways to inspire them. The naughtier and more recalcitrant the little boy or the more withdrawn and shy the young girl, the more Helen loved them, knowing they faced the greatest challenges in life. She actively strove to find and draw out the best in each child and in each person she met. She had a unique ability to engage others, curious about all aspects of their lives, interests, and experiences. To Helen, everyone was special. After retirement Helen and Les continued their world travels, eventually visiting over 100 countries, islands and territories. Whether exploring small back roads by car, standing on the deck of a ship, riding the back of an elephant or watching from a train window, the world was their home. Helen was a member of the Baha'i Faith since 2000, and actively supported the community for over 40 years. She exemplified the Baha�i teachings with her steadfast knowledge that her purpose was to know and love God, and that this life was a time to develop spiritual qualities in preparation for the life to come. As her eyes dimmed, her inner vision grew stronger, and her impressive memory lasted until the end. She loved her family and extended that love to so many others, gracing all with her encouragement, acceptance and wisdom. We have been blessed by her presence in this world. Helen rejoiced for all who passed into the next life and we rejoice for her. This sentiment is shared by her husband, Lester Garrigues; son, Stephen Garrigues and wife, Machiko of Daegu, South Korea; daughter, Margie Brown and husband, Stephen of Fort Collins; granddaughters, Layla Garrigues of Portland, Oregon, Shinobu Garrigues-Pula and husband, Va�a of Brussels, Belgium, Earen Leaf Hummel of Fort Collins; great-grandchildren, Wolfgang Songhurst of Fort Collins, Isabella Garrigues McHenry of Portland, Oregon; nephew, Tracy Crawford and wife, Nancy of Tyler, Texas; niece, Judy Riley and husband, Don of Plano, Texas; Gwen Garrigues of Kansas City, Missouri; and extended family members, Jerry and Connie Hummel, Yolanda and Stephen Brown, Jr., Emily and Cameron Shinn, Jacob Brown, Gregory Brown, Giana Brown, and Rachael Sharp. The family extends its deepest appreciation to all the Visiting Angels who have lovingly assisted Helen and Les: especially Emily, Gladys, Dot, Todd, Renay, Rebecca, Gillian. A service celebrating her sweet, long and fulfilling life will be held on Monday, October 17th, at 1:00 pm at Bohlender Funeral Chapel with burial at Grandview Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Baha�i Center of Northern Colorado, 504 West 69th Street, Loveland, Colorado.