Helen E. Bergman Harless Obituary

Helen began her wonderful journey through life on December 29, 1917 in Des Moines, Iowa. She was reunited with her loving husband, John; daughter, Sharon; her parents, brothers and a sister when her journey ended peacefully on March 6, 2009 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Born to a family of seven children, she was daughter of Olaf and Hilma Bergman, and took great pride in her Swedish heritage and culture. Helen married John B. Harless on June 18, 1942 in White Plains, New York and together they raised six children of their own. She loved to bake and cook for her family and friends, and family traditions and holidays revolved around her fabulous meals and baked goods. Forever the teacher, Helen bestowed her greatest gift on her children and grandchildren and endowed them with her love of life, joy of family and strength of character. She considered her family to be her life’s greatest achievement. In her youth, Helen had been a swimsuit model and worked for Banker’s Life Insurance in Des Moines. She put her career on hold to raise her family and later went to work for the Department of Army in Tooele, Utah. An avid Bridge player since she was a child, Helen continued to play Bridge with her good-natured, competitive spirit well into her later years. Helen’s family and friends are proud to have been a part of her life and they will treasure the strength she conveyed through her cheerful smile and joyous spirit. Helen is survived by her children John (Cheryl), Steve (Linda), Lisa (John), Rick (Carla), Gary (Lila); her grandchildren and great grandchildren; her brother Don (Miriam) Bergman and sister Evelyn Shepard. She will be deeply missed. Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 6, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 2190 Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, CO 80219 and followed by inurnment at 2:30 p.m., Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver.