Helen H. Shaffer

Helen H. Shaffer, 102 was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on April 5, 2024.  Born in Loveland, CO on November 4, 1921, she was the daughter of Arthur Raoul Henry and Mary Graham Henry, and sister to Meredith (Reavis).   Throughout her childhood and life, Helen had a knack for creativity, shared her quick smile and laugh, and maintained her ever-optimistic view of life.  In Loveland, Helen met her musician husband Victor R. Fleischmann.  While he was overseas in the Army, Helen lived with her parents in Sacramento CA. When on furlough she married Victor in Nebraska (September 9, 1942) and then moved to Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia where he was stationed.  After discharge, they moved to Nebraska where their first daughter Marcia was born, then to Greeley CO where Helen booked gigs for Vic’s dance band and where their second daughter Susan was born.  The family moved to Fresno CA where Helen continued her college, then back to Greeley where she completed her degree in Elementary Education at Colorado State College (UNC).  She embarked on a successful teaching career in 1957 until her retirement in 1979.   

Victor passed away on October 5, 1963.  Helen met and was remarried to Olin L. Shaffer June 6, 1967.  They enjoyed the mountains and traveling until his death January 8, 1996.  When not traveling or teaching, Helen was an avid crafter, seamstress, poet, and caring, nurturing mother, grandmother, and great grandmother with a quick smile and hug for all.  She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, the Parkinson’s support group, a volunteer for North Colorado Medical Center, and a respected member and volunteer at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.  In March 2004 Helen moved to an apartment at Bonell Good Samaritan Community where she had many friends and a very special companionship with Jim Wacker.  After Jim passed away, she moved to Terry Lake Assisted Living receiving excellent care and was closer to family in Fort Collins. 

Helen is survived by two daughters; Marcia Tompkins (Jerry) of Eugene, OR and Susan Krcmarik (Alan) of Fort Collins, CO, her grandsons Austin (Ann Prouty) Krcmarik (great grandchildren Alden, Elliott, and Claire), and Alexander Krcmarik (Ella Gordon).   

Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of your choice that is reflective of Helen’s kind soul.