Helen Harvat Cooper

Helen Harvat Cooper

March 4, 1948 — June 7, 2009

OLATHE — Helen Harvat Cooper was born on March 4, 1948 in Denver, to parents Joe Harvat and Marian Fox Harvat. She is survived by her husband Larry Cooper, mother Marian, and children, Bill Reeves, Jonathan Reeves, Nissa Reeves Prizzi, and Christopher Reeves. She has 3 1/2 grandchildren: Alden and Meredith Reeves, Sylvie Prizzi, and another Prizzi on the way. Helen graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a teaching degree. Her first assignment was to teach children with special needs in California. She then moved back to her beloved Colorado and taught in Boulder Valley schools until Billy was born. The family moved to the Western Slope of Colorado in 1976 and also welcomed their adopted son, Jonathan. Helen chose to stay at home with her children and raise many different types of animals, but she had a certain affinity for goats. She also planted bountiful gardens, which she continued to plan and organize her entire life. Helen was delighted when Nissa and Christopher came along to round out the family.

Helen was well known for her homemade goat cheese and whole wheat bread, often baking 40 loaves for the weekly farmers’ market. That energy was redirected to her students when she returned to teaching, and earned her Master’s Degree in Physical Education. The best part of her professional career was her relationships with her students. These close ties were maintained, even after she was left paralyzed in an automobile accident in 2000. Since teaching was no longer possible, her strength of spirit helped her work with her challenges, and to also significantly contribute to her church and community. She was supported and encouraged by Larry, her husband of 15 years. Helen’s love of life and love for family gave her the strength and courage to live her life to the fullest.

A memorial service and dessert potluck was held Sunday, June 14, 2009, at 1 p.m., at the Olathe Town Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Olathe United Methodist Church, P.O Box 148, Olathe, CO 81425 to be used for a project in her honor. Please mark your gifts “For Helen Cooper.”