Helen Agnes Burroughs Carpenter

Helen Agnes Burroughs Carpenter, 99, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, July 7, 2009. She was born January 13, 1910 in Albion, Iowa to Sam Burroughs and Estelle McEvoy Burroughs. As a child her family moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, onto Kansas City, Missouri, and ultimately returned back to the family's farm in Albion. Being the oldest of 7 children, she helped to raise them along with cooking, washing, and working in the fields. Helen graduated from Albion High School and went on to attend Clarke College in Dubuque and the Business and Secretarial College in Marshalltown, Iowa. While working in Marshalltown, she met Jim Carpenter and they were married in 1929 making their home in Marshalltown. Together they struggled during the depression raising their 6 children and through it all she maintained a wonderful sense of humor. Later, they moved on residing in the cities of Des Moines, Iowa, Denver and Grand Junction, Colorado, and in 1950 finally settled down in Farmington, which has been home ever since. She loved everyone, was the life of the party and welcomed everyone into her home. Helen always stood by the underdog, befriended the friendless and cared for those less fortunate or ill, taking in meals, clothing or keeping their children. She was an inspiration to all those who knew her and especially to her family. We loved her so much and she will be so greatly missed. We thank God for bringing her into our lives! She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jim Carpenter; her son, Dave Carpenter; and all 5 of her brothers. Helen is survived by her children, Danny Carpenter and wife Maureen, Alberta Carpenter (wife of deceased son, Dave), Dr. Sam Carpenter and wife Emolene, all of Farmington, Sally Morris and husband Corky of Albuquerque, Dick Carpenter and wife Cheryl, and Sandra Hickman and husband Larry, all of Aztec; beloved grandchildren, Cindy Syme, Kelly, Kim, and Kirk Carpenter, Debby Titus, John Carpenter, Dorothy Saltzman, Jimmy Carpenter, Jim and Joe Morris, Janna Marie Wrightsman, Bob and Scott Carpenter, Samuel, Eric, Jarod, Jake and Zach Carpenter, Kevin and Cindy Jaramillo, Aaron Hickman, Amy Verhulst, and Anna Stotts; a legacy of 29 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; also survived by her sister, Doris Berley; sister-in-law Mildred Blink; brother-in-law Norman Jungers; and several nieces, nephews and dear friends. Pallbearers will be Bobby Carpenter, Scott Carpenter, Devin Verhulst, Harley Stotts, Kelly Carpenter, and Kirk Carpenter. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joe Morris, Jim Morris, Aaron Hickman, Samuel Carpenter, Eric Carpenter, Jarod Carpenter, Jacob Carpenter, Kim Carpenter, Zachary Carpenter, Jim Carpenter, and John Carpenter. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Helen's name to St. Mary Catholic Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Cope Memorial Chapel 404 W. Arrington Farmington, NM 87401 (505) 327-5142