Helen Carroll Stokes

Helen Carroll Stokes passed away on 15 September 2013. She spent her last day surrounded by family and doing what she loved the most…watching the Denver Broncos win. While Helen wasn't a big football fan, she always reveled in the excitement and energy that radiated when her family was all together rooting for the home team.

After a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer's, Helen joined her siblings, parents, and loved ones who preceded her in death. Her journey was aided by her father, Christopher J. Carroll; her mother, Margaret E. Fleming, her brother Gerald Carroll, her sisters Marie Wiley, Margaret (Peggy) Marks, Alice Marks, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was born on Aug 5, 1927, in Geneva, NY. She graduated from DeSales High School in 1946. On Apr 14, 1956, she married George N. Stokes in London, England and began her travels as a military spouse. After London, the couple returned to Sampson Air Force Base in Geneva NY where they were blessed with two children. A transfer to Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii was followed by an assignment to Lowry Air Force Base in Denver CO, where George retired from the military. The family then made their home in Aurora, CO.

Helen was active in the Catholic Church throughout her life and was a member of the Ladies' Sodality. She was a parishioner at St Michael the Archangel Parish in Aurora, CO, for several years prior to her passing.

Helen's greatest joy was in spending time with her extended family. She is survived by her husband, George; her children, Mark Stokes of Centennial, CO; and Michelle Stokes-Strickland, of Colorado Springs, CO. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Nancy McMinn-Stokes; her son-in law, David A. Strickland; her grandchildren, Cory D. Strickland; Neill R. Stokes; Nicole A. Strickland; and Alissa A. Stokes; her brother, James Carroll of Windsor NY; and countless nieces, nephews, "greats" and "grands".

Helen was the epitome of an independent spirit and anyone who came in contact with her was blessed by her great wit, sense of humor and desire to do for others.

A rosary and Catholic funeral mass will be held on Friday, 20 September at St Michael the Archangel Church, 19099 E. Floyd Ave in Aurora, CO. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Porter Hospice in her Memory, 5020 E. Arapahoe Road, Centennial, CO 80122 PH: 303-694-3545.

The family invites all friends and family to join them at a reception in Helen's honor at Blossoms in Heather Gardens, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, immediately following the service.

To share a memory of Helen or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.