Obituary of Helen Patricia Marshall

Helen Patricia Marshall, 88, of Loveland, Colorado, passed away on February 18, 2023. Known to many later in life as Pat, she was born on February 5, 1935 in Omaha, Nebraska to William and Faye Steele and was the youngest of 6 children. She met Robert Peterson at an Omaha hospital, where he was recovering from paralysis due to Polio. They married in 1955, and together they were trailblazers in changing perceptions about people with disabilities in an era where marginalization was the norm. They settled in southern California, where they raised their two sons, Kevin and Kenneth. Robert passed away in 1976. Pat married Bill Marshall in 1988, together they raised and mentored his daughter, Michelle, and sponsored opportunities for indigenous youth. 

Pat was a caring advocate for those less fortunate, putting others before herself, and deeply impacting many lives. She spent much of her personal and professional life working with the elderly and supporting Alzheimer's research and charities. Until recently, Pat volunteered at the Mirasol’s Greenhouse skilled nursing facility.

Pat is survived by her son Kenneth Peterson, his wife of 43 years Carol, and her grandsons Nicholas, Jonathan, and Cameron, who lovingly stayed by her side during her long battle with dementia. She also leaves behind her step daughter, Michelle Matejka and family in Greeley, as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She played an active role in the lives of her immediate and extended family. She dedicated years to building a family tree, extensively documenting stories and photos that may have otherwise been lost to time. She loved all things related to being together with family and was an unlimited source of love and support for so many. She was deeply loved and will be forever missed. 

There will be a memorial service in Cypress California in May 2023. The exact date and information will be posted on this memorial website. In lieu of flowers and cards, a donation can be made on Pat’s behalf to the Alzheimer's association at https://www.alz.org.

Family and friends of Pat are invited to share memories and photos to her facebook profile or on this memorial website by clicking the “tribute wall” link on the left sidebar.