Helen Newland

Cremation has taken place at Schrader’s Sunset Park Crematory. Helen M. Newland,93, of Cheyenne passed away February 23, 2010 at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. Helen was born November 23, 1916 in Brooklyn, New York to Ross Neel and Belva Marie (Hoffmaster) Newland. At five years of age, she moved to Rocky Ford, Colorado to live with her grandmother, aunt and sister. She graduated from Rocky Ford High School in 1934. Upon graduation from high school she enrolled at the University of Colorado in Boulder. In 1938, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. After graduation from Colorado University, Helen accepted a position in Torrington, Wyoming, where she taught Physical Education, Civics, English and General Science for four years. After teaching Physical Education at the University of Wyoming for one year, Helen returned to teach in Torrington for two additional years. During this time she taught Summer School at Adams State College in Gunnison, Colorado. In 1944, Helen accepted a position with the Cheyenne School System to teach Physical Education. She had recently, in 1942 earned a Master’s Degree from New York University in Education. While teaching Physical Education at Cheyenne Central High School, Helen sponsored five groups of girls in a winter bowling league. Teams were known as the Alley Cats and Gutter Girls among others. During this time she also served as a sponsor of the Girl’s State High School Athletic Association. While teaching Physical Education at Cheyenne Central High School, Helen earned a Master’s Degree in library Science from Denver University. After teaching Physical Education at Cheyenne Central High School, Helen became the school librarian, a position that she held for thirty years. After 44 years in education, Helen retired in 1922. In addition to her career in education, Helen found time to be a supporter of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, The Romero South Side Park Program and as a volunteer for the United Medical Center (now Cheyenne Regional Medical Center.) Helen was a member of the Airport Golf Club for 40 years, a member of First Congregational Church for approximately 35 years, a member of the Local and State Historical Society and a member of the County and State Retired Teachers. Helen was a avid reader. She kept an accurate record of the books she had read. The total was 4,485 books. With failing eye sight, she started reading talking books. There is no record of how many of these she read. In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her grandmother, a sister, Dorothy Forshee, and an aunt, Jessie Newland. Miss Newland is survived by a nephew, John Ross Forshee, a niece, Virginia Simmon, and two great nephews, Michael Forshee and one who is her namesake, James Newland Forshee. All of the survivors live in Texas. Helen was very appreciative to those who, in her later years, provided transportation to church, the grocery store, and those who included her in holiday meals.