Mary Helen Lindsey

Durango resident Mary Helen Lindsey died Wednesday, June 12, 2013. She was 98 ½. Mary Helen was born November 19, 1914, to Raymond F. Wiseman and Grace Inez (Crouch) in Memphis, Tenn. People said she was the prettiest girl in Tipton County, Tenn. She earned her bachelor’s degree and teaching credentials at Memphis State University and her master’s degree at West Texas State (now West Texas A & M University). A favorite teacher of many students and faculty, she taught in various places. She taught 4th and 6th grade in Tucson for 20 years. Mary Helen was an excellent bridge player and loved to play many other card games. When she moved to Durango almost nine years ago, she and her daughter Debra Galbraith played canasta at the Durango Senior Center. She resided at Sunshine Gardens West. Ms. Lindsey was preceded in death by her son, Wayne Lindsey, four sisters, and two brothers. She is survived by her sisters Virginia Robertson of Memphis, Tenn., and Alberta Gibson of Melbourne Ark., her former husband Edward Lindsey of Tucson, Ariz., daughters Barbara Sosna of Tucson and Debra Galbraith of Durango, four grandsons and four great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2013, at Sunshine Gardens West in Durango. There will be apricot fried pies for all. In keeping with Mary Helen’s love for dogs, memorial contributions may be sent to La Plata County Humane Society, 1111 S. Camino del Rio, Durango, CO 81303, or to Annie’s Orphans, 1630 CR 214, Durango, CO 81303.