In Memory Of
Helen L. Cheatham
1926
2023
Helen L. Cheatham
April 7, 1926 — April 11, 2023
CENTENNIAL, CO - Helen Louise (Chase) Cheatham passed on April 11, 2023 when her youthful energy and spirit came to a peaceful end at age 97. She was adored by her late husband, Bob, for whom she was a loving companion and best friend during their 62 years of marriage. She is survived by their children and spouses Dave (Liz), Richard (Judy), Carolyn (Bill), Nancy (Sal), and Bob; 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. A brother, Dick (Natalie) Chase, also survives her. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ruth Chase, and siblings Bob Chase, Carolyn Chase Rupert, and Joan Chase Sitler.
Helen was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 7, 1926. Neighborhood boys as well as girls sought her out as a friendly and competitive playing companion. She learned to sing beautifully, excelled in school and in almost everything she tried. In 1943 Johns-Manville Corporation selected her as one of 30 young women from the 3,000 who applied for an all-expenses-paid scholarship to prepare for professional positions that men traditionally held. Helen worked two days per week in nearby company offices while studying for a liberal arts degree at Lake Forest College. She held leadership positions on the debate team and Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, gained the nickname of "Sunny" for her cheerful disposition, and sang on numerous college occasions. After graduating magna cum laude with a degree in accounting and minor in physics, she accepted an accounting position at corporate headquarters in New York City.
On an office tour of the company's Manville plant, Helen caught the attention of her future husband. They married on April 29, 1950; 18 months later with their first child on the way, she resigned to dedicate herself to her family as a stay-at- home mom – in North Plainfield, NJ for the next 20 years and Denver, CO. While encouraging her children to be active as well as studious, she sang as both choir member and soloist at First Park Baptist Church (Plainfield) and Calvary Baptist Church (Denver) in community Gilbert & Sullivan productions. She played a good game of tennis & bridge, loved the opera and enjoyed volunteering.
After moving to Heather Gardens for the last active years of their retirement, Helen played golf in the women's league and with Bob or any other family members when given the chance. A Master Gardener, she took the lead in caring for beds outside their condominium building. Continuing a healthy active lifestyle Helen enjoyed walking, golf, and traveling. She was ready to go at a moment's notice for any new adventure.
Helen spent her final years at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan; where she met Art Weiss and was well cared for by the staff and Brighton Hospice. The family will have a private Celebration of Life this summer.
Helen was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 7, 1926. Neighborhood boys as well as girls sought her out as a friendly and competitive playing companion. She learned to sing beautifully, excelled in school and in almost everything she tried. In 1943 Johns-Manville Corporation selected her as one of 30 young women from the 3,000 who applied for an all-expenses-paid scholarship to prepare for professional positions that men traditionally held. Helen worked two days per week in nearby company offices while studying for a liberal arts degree at Lake Forest College. She held leadership positions on the debate team and Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, gained the nickname of "Sunny" for her cheerful disposition, and sang on numerous college occasions. After graduating magna cum laude with a degree in accounting and minor in physics, she accepted an accounting position at corporate headquarters in New York City.
On an office tour of the company's Manville plant, Helen caught the attention of her future husband. They married on April 29, 1950; 18 months later with their first child on the way, she resigned to dedicate herself to her family as a stay-at- home mom – in North Plainfield, NJ for the next 20 years and Denver, CO. While encouraging her children to be active as well as studious, she sang as both choir member and soloist at First Park Baptist Church (Plainfield) and Calvary Baptist Church (Denver) in community Gilbert & Sullivan productions. She played a good game of tennis & bridge, loved the opera and enjoyed volunteering.
After moving to Heather Gardens for the last active years of their retirement, Helen played golf in the women's league and with Bob or any other family members when given the chance. A Master Gardener, she took the lead in caring for beds outside their condominium building. Continuing a healthy active lifestyle Helen enjoyed walking, golf, and traveling. She was ready to go at a moment's notice for any new adventure.
Helen spent her final years at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan; where she met Art Weiss and was well cared for by the staff and Brighton Hospice. The family will have a private Celebration of Life this summer.
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