Helen Marie Fahs

FAHS- Helen Marie Fahs, 87, of Farmington, passed away Thursday, December 25, 2008 in Farmington. She was born August 26, 1921 in Rankin, Illinois, to Harold and Lillian (Warner)Tice. At an early age, her family moved to Chatham, IL, where she graduated from the Chatham schools. She attended Blackburn College and Springfield Junior College before entering St. John's Hospital School of Nursing. Upon graduation in 1944, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert E. Fahs. They were blessed with 64 years together. The first 20 years of Helen's nursing career were spent in the disciplines of pediatrics, med-surg and obstetrics. Helen found her passion in the field of obstetrics. In 1958, she became an instructor for the Regina School of Nursing in Albuquerque, NM, teaching classes on Nursing and Maternal Child Health until 1967. In 1964, she decided to further her nursing education, and obtained her Masters from the University of Washington. To do this she had to sacrifice summers with her family, showing immense dedication to a profession that she loved. In August of 1967, she became an Assistant Professor at the University of Albuquerque, and in 1971 was promoted to Director of Nursing. In 1976, she was appointed by New Mexico Governor, Jerry Apodaca, as the Executive Director of the State Board of Nursing. She held this position for three years. Helen retired in 1981, and she and Robert moved to Bayfield, CO, where they remained for 15 years. Outside of work, Helen devoted time to the Albuquerque Soroptimist Club, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Methodist Church, and the Girl Scouts. For enjoyment, Helen loved spending time with her family, camping, and traveling. Her time spent at home included a love of gardening, sewing, and reading. She was also an avid Bridge player. Helen is survived by her husband, Robert; her sister, Nancy Trapp of Asheville, NC; her sons, Harold Fahs and his wife, Valerie, of Cape Coral, FL, and Dennis Fahs and his wife, Teri, of Albuquerque, NM; her daughter, Nancy Phillips and her husband, Rick, of Durango, CO; five granddaughters; and a great-grandson. Helen is in the care of Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute Street, Farmington. (505) 325-8688