Helen Braaksma

Helen Braaksma, (Willard), passed away on October 25, 2026, in Aurora, Colorado. She was born on January 13, 1933, in Randolph, Wisconsin, and lived a long life marked by devotion to family, steady work, and the simple joys that brought people together.

Helen built a career at Mercy Medical Center in Denver, Colorado where she worked as a Surgery Scheduler Coordinator. Her work reflected the care, reliability, and dedication that were so much a part of who she was.

Helen's faith and spiritual beliefs were as strong as her love of family. She and Pete were members of The Avenue Church for many years and Helen carried on that membership supporting both charitable and in-person activities. Her participation in her Adult Sunday School provided for many lifelong friends that are truly cherished.

She also embraced life with energy and warmth. Helen was an avid bowler well into her 90s, participating in multiple leagues and enjoying both the competition and companionship the sport brought her. She was a member of the Red Hats and found happiness in time shared with others, whether playing cards or gathering around a board game. These were the moments that reflected her spirited nature and her love of connection.

Above all, Helen’s life was centered on family. She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Chambers and her husband, Mark, and by her son, Steven Braaksma and his wife, Cindy. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Lindsey Erker, Shane Braaksma and his wife, Joyce, McKenzie Smith and her husband, Ryan, Mason Chambers and his wife, Amanda, and Dakota Marshall and her husband, Ray. Her legacy continues in her great-grandchildren, Myles Erker, Brock Erker, Paisley Erker, Lochlann Braaksma, Logan Chambers, Lenora Martinez, Isaiah Martinez, Riggin Smith, and Waylon Smith. Each of them carries forward a part of her love, strength, and enduring presence.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Peter G. Braaksma; her daughter, JoEllen Stotyn; her father, LeRoy Willard; her mother, Ruth Willard; her stepmother, Margaret Willard; her sister, Mary Jane Kaye; and her brother, Charles Willard. Their memories remained part of her life and story, and she is now reunited with those who went before her.

Interment will take place at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80236, December 4, 2026. We will be celebrating Helen's life December 4, 2026, from 2 - 5pm, at the The Ave Church (formerly Mississippi Ave Baptist) in the church Gym. Our family would love to have you join us for food, hugs, laughs and of course memories.

Helen will be remembered for her perseverance, her warmth, and the joy she found in work, family, friendship, and play. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.