ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our beloved Helen Sutton.  We invite you to share all of your love for Helen here- favorite music, photos, videos, stories.  She loved a good story... She will live in our hearts forever.

A celebration of Helen's life was held on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at The Chicano Humanities and Arts Council (CHAC) in Denver, a venue near and dear to Helen.

If you would like to honor Helen, please consider a donation to one of her favorite charities.  She had many and here are a few:

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary- https://secure.bestfriends.org/page/contribute/memory

DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital- https://www.dovelewis.org/donate/form/

Denver Center For The Performing Arts- http://www.denvercenter.org/support-us/give-now

July 6, 2023
July 6, 2023
Thinking of you today. Can’t believe 8 years have passed without you in them. Xxoo
June 28, 2022
June 28, 2022
Hey girl, I think of you often and how hard these last few years have been for women and our country. You would have been a great contributor to the Resistance. Wish you were here.
June 28, 2022
June 28, 2022
Happy Birthday Dr. Sutton. I think of you and your spirit almost every day. 
June 28, 2019
June 28, 2019
Helen. You’re energy and spirit are still fresh in my memory. Thank you for all of the gifts and wisdom you shared with me ... forever grateful to be a part of your journey. My friend.
Love Leigh.
June 30, 2018
June 30, 2018
Dear Helen - I will remember your gentle yet dynamic kindness always. Thank you.
With love,
Emily May
April 21, 2018
April 21, 2018
Helen, I just saw this and I am very saddened that we didn't get to reconnect. I was remembering how we worked together at Barnes & I was taking a class, trying to "blend" with the students. You brought me a cake, had the class sing happy birthday & took over for the teacher with some comedy routine! It was fabulous, as were you!
June 28, 2017
June 28, 2017
Happy birthday my friend. I woke this morning with a feeling that it was a special day. How right I was. I miss you.
February 1, 2017
February 1, 2017
Dear Dr Sutton: you must be rolling over given what has become of our beloved nation. You would have been proud of us marching in Philadelphia last weekend. I miss you and think of you so often. Just putting it out there to the universe!! Xxoo
June 28, 2016
June 28, 2016
Still miss you every day, Dr. Sutton.  Yesterday I found your letter from 2003 when you made the decision to donate your kidney. I've been so inspired by that self-less act. Your memory lives on in our hearts.

Dr. Flynn
June 28, 2016
June 28, 2016
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you.
You are with with me
Like a handprint on my heart.
I love you Pearly.
June 28, 2016
June 28, 2016
I think of you every day, Helen, and miss knowing you share this great Earth with us. I hope you're enjoying wherever you are, and instead of you making everyone else laugh, there are others who are making you laugh. We miss you. xoxo
January 1, 2016
January 1, 2016
Well my friend, there was a hole in my celebrations last night. Every year my children call me once the clock strikes midnight and then I call you. Sometimes you have been home to talk, and sometimes you have left a recorded message always acknowledging that your Canadian friends would reach out. . In those cases somehow we always connected in the next few days for our chat. Well Helen, last night my chlderen called me but I couldn't call you. I miss you.
November 23, 2015
November 23, 2015
Barb and I had a mass said today for Helen. I know she wasn't Catholic but we needed to have some closure so we had our own funeral. It was a nice service. Helen would have been pleased as one of the readings was from the Book of Daniel. The story was about being a vegetarian so I think she would have been pleased. Except for when she was eating bacon I think she was mostly vegetarian. Not being able to attend her real memorial service, we didn't have much choice but to hold our own for her. We only waited four months because up until a few weeks ago, I refused to believe she was gone.

I keep waiting for the call "Dr. Flynn?" She would say? "This is your beeeloved Dr. Sutton coming your way from my home town of Denverrr". We then scream with laughter and talk for 2-3 hours as if the months in between our last call were all of 5 minutes ago.  How many of you reading this are also waiting for her call? Waiting to share thoughts and feelings that you don't share with anyone else in your life? Did she have a nickname for you too? Did you not see her for more than a year but she remembered everything about you down to the finer details? Oh how I miss that love, her laugh, her views on EVERYTHING. No one, not even a therapist, was as good as an hour on the phone with Helen.

All you Helen-lovers out there, know that we are all suffering together. Across the country (across the globe for all I know). I bet every one of us thought we were the only ones that had a special connection with her. Ha! If I've learned anything, over 4000 people have read this site. I bet every single one of us thought we were the only one!!

During our funeral mass, I prayed for her to be at peace. To know she is loved. To know that we would have done anything to have helped. I prayed for her forgiveness since I feel I failed her somehow. I prayed that she is laughing and carrying on in a very inappropriate manner as only she could. We said our so longs. Finally. Begrudgingly. I can't wait to see her again. I have so much to tell her. It's only been four months but I'm keeping good notes. I will be ready to catch up whenever she calls.

Much love to anyone that reads this post and misses her as much as I do.

Dorothy Flynn
October 19, 2015
October 19, 2015
So far and so close, I miss you my friend, your room, your house ,your mom, I'll never forget your everlasting understanding of us. We are one, of many, and I can't wait to see you again. I'll see you again my friend somewhere, someplace. I can't wait, look for me, I'll be looking for you. I see I'm not the only one who loves you.
July 19, 2015
July 19, 2015
Sheryl Sandberg (a business woman Helen very much admired) recently posted her thoughts regarding the sudden loss of her beloved husband, Mark. It is so moving and beautifully stated. I loved it when I first read it and of course it has a whole new resonance now. I hope it gives you some of the comfort and wisdom it gave me: https://www.facebook.com/sheryl/posts/10155617891025177:0
July 17, 2015
July 17, 2015
I met Helen, Sandie and her mom a couple years ago.  Helen was definitely one-of-a-kind!  She was so generous of spirit, very kind and considerate, lots of fun, and loved her mom very much. Last but not least, Helen was outrageous!  Her passing has affected me deeply, and that is just the kind of person she was. I am so sorry for her loss in your lives, family and friends of Helen.
July 14, 2015
July 14, 2015
I was saddened to hear of Helen's passing. She is a 'full of life' type of person and my life is better for knowing her.  
I had the pleasure of meeting Helen during my training at AlliedBarton. Helen inspired me to be a better manager by asking that next best question. Helen made me laugh and she will be remembered as a beautiful person. Thank you Helen for making an impact in my life.
Helen RIP - you will be missed by all who you touched.
July 14, 2015
July 14, 2015
Helen, I had the pleasure of meeting you. I say a pleasure because there are not many people that have a lasting positive impact on a persons life such as you've had on so many people(myself included).

You will be missed and the world has lost a rare person who is not able to replaced.  Your Men-tee Jason Gordon @ AlliedBarton.
July 14, 2015
July 14, 2015
Helen inspired everyone she trained for Richardson to be 1% better. She inspired those she trained and engaged with to strive towards greatness. The many people she trained and touched at AlliedBarton will miss her greatly.

I lit a candle for Helen's soul at Notre-Dame, Paris. May she rest knowing the major impact she's made on our lives. Never to be forgotten....
July 13, 2015
July 13, 2015
I had the pleasure of attending a sales training led by Helen - and she left an indelible impression. Knowledgeable and engaging, more than anything the short time we got to spend with her overflowed with personality, positivity and sincerity. She will undoubtedly be missed by many, but not forgotten.
July 13, 2015
July 13, 2015
Helen left a permanent and positive mark on me and my team at AlliedBarton. She was a terrific instructor and I sustain her teachings just about every day....they were "Perfect".
July 11, 2015
July 11, 2015
My dear Helen....you had me at hello. Thank you for being you and for giving each person that met you the opportunity to learn to be a better and more compassionate human being. Your legacy will remain alive in me and in all who knew you. The world was a better place because of you...until we meet again, ciao ciao, your raving fan- DJ
July 11, 2015
July 11, 2015
Helen Sutton was a beloved friend and mentor to the entire sales community at AlliedBarton. With her laughter, humor and wonderful sunny nature, she inspired us to be our best, not just as business people, but as people. She was herself a candle and her light shone upon us and warmed our hearts. She threw her beams far … we loved her and she will be with us in spirit forever. – on Behalf of AlliedBarton Security Services
July 11, 2015
July 11, 2015
I met Helen when I transferred to Arapahoe High School as a Sophomore from Minnesota. I have so many great memories from our days on the tennis, basketball and summer softball teams. One of my most favorite memories of Helen is of her dancing on the after school activity bus while the rest of the team was singing "I'd like to hear some funky Dixieland pretty mama, come and take me by the hand. By the hand (hand) take me by the hand, pretty mama, dance with your daddy all night long...." Helen Ruth you were so kind and welcoming to me as "the new kid." Your light will keep on shining and we will keep on singing along. I miss you Helen!
July 11, 2015
July 11, 2015
Helen, where do I begin? I have so many special stories but most of them are not fit for print so I will keep it clean :)

I always looked forward to our chats because I knew I was going to learn something, I was sure to laugh (sometimes to hard I cried) and I would always walk away with an extra pep in my step because of your energy. even if I missed you and got your voicemail recording of "This is Helen Sutton, coming your way live from (whatever city you were in that day)" I would instantly smile. I used to save your voicemails to listen to when I was in need of a laugh. there were comedy bits filled with love! What I wouldn't give to hear "Master, it's Commander" just one more time but I know your voice is forever etched in my mind. Your spirit is forever with me and my heart is forever grateful for having you as a friend. Rest in peace, sweet Helen. I love and miss you. Commander
July 11, 2015
July 11, 2015
Helen, you were the one who made my transition from california to denver so easy. You introduced me to a ton of people and made sure i was always taken care of. Your kindness will be forever cherished. Thanks for always making me and the rest of the world laugh. Love to you always...xoxo
July 10, 2015
July 10, 2015
Helen was the first person I met moving to Seattle in 2004. We happen to be outside of the Tacoma Dome and she walked up to my girlfriend and I offering tickets to the Storm game. Then we had the joy of her company at the game. She didn't appear anything out of the ordinary, but I quickly came to recognize what an extraordinary person she was. She was witty, warm, genuine, so funny, a master at any subject, an activist. I loved getting her answering machine---there was always a message of how to change the world. Never a dull conversation...except the conversations that I never had. 
I read from several others her mantra of "choose compassion."
It lent to her being one of the most forgiving persons I have ever meant. I couldn't always process how someone could really be like that.

I remember scolding her after she gave away her left kidney that if she started donating arms and legs, I was stepping in.  Miss you much
July 10, 2015
July 10, 2015
Ah Helen - you were indeed a very special spirit for all of us who knew you. I remember the last time our paths crossed - at the Joan Baez concert in Denver. You were a rebel, just like Joanie, and we love you for it. You taught us all - rest in peace, dear one! You will be missed.
July 10, 2015
July 10, 2015
Did you ever have a moment with Helen when you weren't laughing your ass off or looking into each other's eyes deeply because Helen was so THERE and I mean IN IT with you? I hadn't talked with Helen in years but her voice, laughter, sincerity and warmth are forever etched in my heart. How is it that I'm missing her when I hadn't been connected in so long? Because she was one of the people that made the planet lighter, better, more fun and full of what counts and I just knew she was out there fighting the good fight. Why do the good ones go so young? Because I'm sure she was needed and is now the head of some regional angel group that's just a bit disorganized so she's helping them get their poop in a group and save some lives down here in Life's Workshop. Love you, Helen. I know you hear me.
July 10, 2015
July 10, 2015
I've started and stopped 10 times trying to leave my tribute to our beloved Helen. It is impossible to put into words the impact Helen had on me and the world. She is my hero and will always be someone I aspire to be like -- if even just a little. There has never been another soul like Helen nor will there ever be. She is the definition of a shining star -- one now shining brightly in heaven and forever missed here. Helen -- I am sure you have already introduced yourself to my four-legged fur babies in heaven and are happily surrounded by all the other fur babies who have passed over to Rainbow Bridge. I am picturing you in your glory, surrounding by thousands of cats all of which are loving you just as much as we do!!! Until we meet again.....xoxo Beth
July 9, 2015
July 9, 2015
Helen-- I am still trying to get my head around this. It's so hard to believe how a spirit so bright, so vibrant, so amazing is no longer walking this earth. Perhaps you are on to better things, but know that your light shone brightly and you've touched so many people with your laughter, friendship and genuine love for others. There will never be another Helen. I'm so grateful to have known you and loved you. Sleep well, dear Helen, until we meet again. xo
July 9, 2015
July 9, 2015
Helen I learned some of my most meaningful life lessons from my relationship with you. God knows because of you, my life course was changed forever! Your humor could light up the darkest room. The world is a better place because you visited for far too short of a time. May your family find peace in knowing how many hearts you touched. RIP
July 9, 2015
July 9, 2015
Helen shared her light and love with all of us. She came to train us about sales and instead she just trained us about life. She inspired us. Reminded us what being fully engaged in life means... She filled our hearts and minds with knowledge , humor, and love. She shared her family and her cats with us. And taught us how to become better employees, better partners, friends and just better people. I remember her telling me that she liked my fresh white shirt and I have to say that each time I wear one or that I iron it , I think of her with a smile. And remember her comment about how everyone likes someone in a freshly pressed white shirt. :) I loved that she made her training fun and that she really made an impact on me and my teammates. We are all devastated to hear of her passing and I am so sorry I didn't get the chance to tell her how much she meant to me. I will always remember her laugh. may she rest in peace. My heart is full of love and gratitude for knowing her.
Leigh Mills. ,,one of her fans from CTCA.
July 9, 2015
July 9, 2015
I moved to the Madison Street Hood in the late 80's to be warmly welcomed by the women on the street. Helen burst into my life with Love, Fun and Kindness. Our Coffee chats on the porches on Saturday and/or Sunday mornings have always been cherished by me. Helen you have place in my heart where I always smile when I think of the moments with you, thank you and may you rest in peace
July 9, 2015
July 9, 2015
Goodness, where to start. Dear Helen, what a wonderful light she was. I had the opportunity to watch her engage and impact people in very deep and impactful ways. Her role at Richardson was facilitator, but I would rather think of her as an incredible inspirational teacher and coach. She gave so much of herself to each and every project. Her passion to make a difference and her interest to connect with people on a deep level made her a truly unique person. She was a master at remembering everyone's name and small, personal things about people - a skill noticed and much appreciated by everyone. She had an infectious personality and a warm, gracious way about her. In every instance and what I am most grateful for, was her ability to make people smile and feel good about themselves. A candle hardly does her justice, but when I think of Helen, I think about her radiance.
July 9, 2015
July 9, 2015
Dear Helen,
I remember as if it were yesterday, your shenanigans on the bus when we had our away basketball games at Arapahoe High School. That was such a fun time in my life and that is how I will remember you....Singing, laughing, prankster, friend, teammate.
July 9, 2015
July 9, 2015
There are no words still ... A life too short and yet blessed so many during the brief stay on this earth.

Helen I will always remember our last meeting.... You called my name when I walked in the classroom like only YOU could do! You introduced me and said such wonderful things about me when it was really you that made the magic happen in the classroom!!!! You had them eating out of your hand, telling funny stories and giving so much of yourself to enrich others. You will be missed and remembered for the loving and caring person you were and how you made others feel so special.....when it was you that was really special!

With love and admiration ,,,,always !
July 9, 2015
July 9, 2015
I know Helen from taking care of her sweet cats, Zoe and Buster Fang for a few years now. I didn't know her that well, but she was probably the best owner i have ever met. Even her house reflected her bright, daring and loving personality. She is incredibly sweet, and beautifully unique. Always understanding, compassionate and generous. Even after my first meeting with her she left an impact on me. RIP Helen.
July 8, 2015
July 8, 2015
RIP Helen Ruth. I hoped to reconnect with you before you left. Last time I saw you was at the Aloha Tower in Honolulu. I spocked you disembarking the cruise ship - I was in the top of the tower and hollered out to you. I am sorry we won't have another laugh together. However I am certain I will laugh many more times with your memory. Mahalo a nui loa hoaaloha hooheno. Thanks to you for the kindness and light you shared.... Your old friend Kristin aka "Snort" as you used to call me.
July 8, 2015
July 8, 2015
I got to know Helen from my sister Sandie we welcomed her in our family and went to Florida and she was at our house several times and got to see her when we visited Colorado a couple of weeks ago she will be missed very much rest in piece now you and Sean can be together
July 8, 2015
July 8, 2015
Helen you left too soon! I was stunned by news of your passing. I am one of a special group who had the honor to call you a colleague and friend for many years. You were a "one of a kind" human being; truly like no other. You always had a positive word to share. I don't believe the word "no" existed in your vocabulary. Your mere presence brought smiles to those in your company. Above all, the word that best describes you is "gracious." Simply gracious.

Helen, I hope you know that you will not be forgotten; instead you'll be remembered forever.

I'll leave you with my favorite memory - Listening to you MC the Richardson Client Forum in 2013. For six hours I sat at Table 1, directly in front of you, literally fearing what you might say next, and laughing at everything you actually said. It was quite a work out. :) Bravo Helen.

Thank you Helen "Sugar" Sutton, you made a difference. xo
July 8, 2015
July 8, 2015
Helen was a dynamo and a Wonder Woman. She had the heart of a saint and the humor of a sinner. I was blessed to know her the past few years. She consulted with our company and had love, compassion and kindness for our team and the cancer patients we help. She told us stories about her family and her 3 cats and made us all feel like family in an instant. In her job she met and insired so many people. I will miss her very much. ❤️❤️❤️
July 8, 2015
July 8, 2015
My dear Friend I'm so shocked to hear of your passing. I've been spending my afternoon thinking of all the fun things you, I and Margo did through the years. 20 years since the Met days! Remember all those college papers you reviewed with me? Remember that you attended an English class at the U in my place when I couldn’t? You took Scarlett and me to our first Seattle Storm game and she ran around the floor with you at half time. Margo and I had a blast at your 50th birthday party in Denver—we loved meeting all your friends and family. Who gives a kidney away just because you can? You did. You always made me feel intelligent and beautiful—thank you. I wish we’d seen each other more in recent years, but I’m grateful that you, Margo and I had one last lunch together recently. No more tears now girl—RIP. Love Holly
July 8, 2015
July 8, 2015
Helen MCd a Safeco Insurance Retreat and she made such an impact on me I friended her on FB! She was by far one of the most hilarious people I have ever come across. I truly enjoyed that weekend because of her. Rest in peace Helen. Respectfully, Kari
July 8, 2015
July 8, 2015
I only knew Helen because she MCd some speaker meetings at Careertrack. I loved her humor on stage and that she was brave enough to poke fun at the boss. The world is a lesser place because she's gone.

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Recent Tributes
July 6, 2023
July 6, 2023
Thinking of you today. Can’t believe 8 years have passed without you in them. Xxoo
June 28, 2022
June 28, 2022
Hey girl, I think of you often and how hard these last few years have been for women and our country. You would have been a great contributor to the Resistance. Wish you were here.
June 28, 2022
June 28, 2022
Happy Birthday Dr. Sutton. I think of you and your spirit almost every day. 
Recent stories

Lefty

July 28, 2015

I received word from Sheri of Helen’s passing. Sheri didn’t know who I was, but had heard of me thru Helen’s conversations.  My husband Ryan and are still taking it all in, thinking why?  I have known Helen for some 11 years, 9 months and 20 days and yes, she may be gone, but she is still very close to me.  My name is Susan Verwest and I am Helen’s kidney recipient.  “Lefty” as she called me.  Lefty because I received her left kidney.  What a fantastic gift of life she gave to Ryan and me.  The world has lost a most generous, loving, caring, smart, energetic and humble person.  In July 2003, when I received the call from Swedish that I had a kidney donor, I was in shock, when they told me it was a living donor, I decided it was better to stop driving and pull the car over.  Non-related anonymous living donor, what?  After setting up the donor date operation, all I could think about is the person donating.  What type of person does this?  What made them decide to donate? Why, why, and more why’s?  Even to this day when I tell people of my donated kidney their eyes light up and they are amazed at anyone so generous.   It still brings tears to my eyes. 

September 15, 2003 - Helen gave me that extra gift of life and we will remember her forever. 

After 2-1/2 years and a few correspondences, Helen and Sandy came for a visit in May 2006.  I finally meet my ANGEL!  We talked for hours; she showed me her scrap book from when she decided to donate her kidney. She told me of her psychological testing to make sure she understood what she was doing.  She even told me her story of her last meal and the brownie she savored the night before the surgery.  She definitely knew what she doing and you could tell she was happy to do it.  She was giving someone a very valuable gift, that extra gift of life. 

I now carry that extra gift of life and my Dr., has informed me it is running well.  Keep up the maintenance and it can be there for a very long time.  Now more than ever I cherish this gift.  Helen will be remembered everytime I go to the bathroom :-).

The last time we saw and had contact with Helen was in October 2013.  It was our 10 year anniversary; we had a wonderful lunch with her family and close friends.  The restaurant staff even sang Happy Anniversary to our kidney, Lefty.   

We love you and miss you, but I am so glad to have a part of you with me everyday! 

Happy Birthday Helen!  I hope you are free of pain and in a better place, your smile, laughter, humor, generosity, and warm heart will be greatly missed.  Keep them laughing, as we know everyone needs a good laugh!   Love Lefty (All our love, Susan, Ryan and Zella)

The Five Things I Love About Helen

July 20, 2015

-Her obsession with recurring television shows

-The Scooter tattoo on her boob

-Her willingness to give away parts of herself, literally

-Our Richardson pajama parties

-Just the thought of Helen makes me smile

I love Helen.

July 17, 2015

I love Helen.

I haven't seen her in many years.  I probably spent only a dozen or so times with her in my entire life.  We exchanged email messages fairly recently, and also every once in a while. 

I thought (and still think) about her often.  I've never met a more incredible and impressive person.  I described her to friends as ...a person who, when she is in a room, is the person everyone wants to be near -- no matter who is in the room.  Her energy is amazing.  Her stories incredible. 

I love her.  I miss her.  

Of course, my life will go on.  No doubt, very little outwardly will change.  I live in another city, and as I said above -- I've not seen her in a long time.  But my heart will never be the same.  It will have a crack in it that will never heal.   

I am so, so sad.

To Helen's family and friends:  I am so sorry for your loss.   I can't imagine how unbearable your pain must be. 

Let us all strive to do good things, to be kind, to love each other -- and to think of Helen when we do.

May her Memory always be for a Blessing.    

I pray she has found peace.
  

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