Helen Elsie Alsop

Helen Elsie Alsop born January 18, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois, passed away at home on October 15, 2014, in the presence of her family. Helen’s parents were German immigrants from Poland whose families settled in Chicago, Illinois, and British Columbia, Canada. Helen enjoyed growing up in the Windy City. She was an excellent speed skater, she had friends from every ethnic group in a very diversified area of the city. She enjoyed Lake Michigan, the museums and the culture of that city. In 1969, Helen was uprooted by her first husband, Ted Kender, and moved to sunny San Diego, California. Soon her parents, and brother and his family joined her in San Diego making her life complete. Helen lost her first husband in 1975, and took on the role of caregiver to her aged mother. In 1978, Helen married the second love of her life, Edward Alsop. Together they enjoyed camping, the German American club, and the Eagles. She enjoyed the Oktoberfest and Karnival season with her husband, Edward. They traveled together throughout Europe and visited family in Germany. Helen enjoyed entertaining in her home with her player piano and many friends and family. In 2005, Helen again lost her husband. At that time, her daughter and son-in-law came to live with her. After a couple years, Helen agreed to move to Fort Collins, Colorado, and began yet another chapter in her life. Through all the relocations, Helen never gave up being a Chicago native and a fan of the Cubs and Bears. Helen was blessed with three beautiful grandchildren that she watched grow into strong adults. Those grandchildren lit up her life with five wonderful great grandchildren that she felt very blessed to get to know and share many hugs and kisses. She was amazed at how full of life they were and how they made her smile, no matter how she felt. Helen was a tender, loving woman who wanted to know everything about everyone she met. She immersed herself in books, crossword puzzles, enjoyed visiting with family and friends. Many a gathering was spent playing Trivia Pursuit with the family. Helen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and David Warteman. Her grandchildren, Sarah Hallowitz, Michael Avrech and his wife Sarah Avrech, and Amanda Warteman. Her great-grandchildren: Camdyn Hallowitz, Sydnee Avrech, Harper Avrech, Brody Avrech and Cale Warteman. Nephews Erich H. Schmidt, Jr., Kurt Schmidt and his wife Lori, Jennifer Enright and her husband Andrew and her great nephews C.J. Schmidt and Dawson Enright, and her great niece Erika Kelly. She is also survived by her very dear sister-in-law Helga Schmidt who she considered her sister. Services will be held in San Diego California on Friday, October 24, at 2pm. Viewing from 1:30-2pm. with a celebration of her life well lived from 4-6pm.

Helen Elsie Alsop

January 18, 1930 - October 15, 2014