Helen Louise Fox (Hardway) of Denver, Colorado and formerly of Pueblo, Colorado passed away on July 25, 2021. Preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Laurence Fox, parents William and Margaret Hardway (Rinker), brother Charles Hardway, and infant son Robert Joseph Fox. She is survived by her children Lori Fox (Tom Downey) and son Michael Fox (Jennifer Fox). She was a beloved grandmother to five grandchildren: Cate, Ella, and Meg Downey; and Jillian and Adam Fox. She is also survived by sisters and a brother as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Helen was born in Pueblo and graduated from Pueblo Catholic High School. After spending time in Pueblo as a young woman, she moved to California where she met Joe. A rapid romance and wedding led to a happy 45 years together. The young couple adventured across the country as beach and ski bums before returning to live in Pueblo for several decades. It was in Pueblo that they raised their two children, Lori and Mike. Helen was always involved with supporting her children’s activities and volunteering at the school. She was a room mom, and in the PTA. She supported brownies and cub scout activities, dance recitals, and t-ball games. She was also involved in the community and her church. For years she was a leading volunteer for Pueblo’s public television station and was a founding member of the Pueblo Irish Club.

She was a working mom, balancing her time with her family and working as a bookkeeper for the Pueblo School District and Sacred Heart Cathedral. She also found time to go to night school, proudly earning her associates degree from National College.

When Joe had a serious stroke, Helen took on the unexpected role of caretaker. She handled this change of life circumstance the way she always handled challenges – with dignity, caring, and resolve. She didn’t complain, she just took on this new responsibility with kindness, humor, and love. That same love applied to her five grandchildren – her “grandbabies” as she called them. When she and Joe moved to Denver to be closer to her children, the grandchildren were the source of so much happiness for her. She was a selfless grandmother and served as a regular babysitter and important helper to Lori and Mike, and their spouses. She was always supportive of the grandkids and would be at every performance and school function cheering them on. She also made her way as a working woman in Denver – and greatly enjoyed her time as a bookkeeper for non-profits such as the Colorado Children’s Campaign and Denver’s public television station.

When Joe passed away, Helen entered a new chapter. She enjoyed traveling to Spain, Africa, and Ireland. She also decided to move to an active senior community where she met some of her best friends and had some of the happiest years of her life. She loved her time at The Grove, and her life opened up to a wealth of new experiences and activities including Cribbage, Mahjong, and – most importantly – Wine Down Wednesday.

Helen had many wonderful times in her life. She and Joe enjoyed time together on motorcycles, speedboats, and fishing trips to Rainbow Lake. They travelled together to Ireland, Italy, Paris, England, and Hawaii as well as many trips across the US. She was especially proud of sending her two children to college. She lived to know and enjoy all of her five grandchildren who will always remember her with deep affection and love.

She lived a life in support of others – she didn’t need the spotlight and would always say “someone has to be in the audience”. She was selfless, kind, and loving. She was also funnier and smarter than she ever gave herself credit for. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. In her honor of her adventurous and generous spirit, donations can be made to the Global Livingston Institute to give a deserving student the chance to travel to East Africa. Please note “Helen Fox” in the memo line.

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