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Helen Orman Obituary

HELEN ORMAN earned raves from her students and colleagues in a dynamic life and career that fused her two passions: art and literature. Orman, 65, was chair of the department of literature, foreign languages, education and philosophy at Houston Community College-Southwest. She was shot to death Saturday in a daylight attack near the Rice Village after she pulled into a gas station, in a shocking incident that left her family and friends devastated. But, grief-stricken friends and loved ones reflecting on her life marveled at the amount she was able to accomplish and the joy and humor with which she lived. At the center of it were the teaching and the artwork she pursued with equal passion. A good example was a CD-ROM she created in 1997 for her lesson on Dante's Inferno. The software featured charcoal illustrations she had drawn of the classic work as well as audio of the epic poem in its original Italian. In her 18 year career at HCC, she worked hard for both her students and other faculty members. In addition to her teaching, she managed significant extracurricular responsibilities, including serving as president of the Faculty Senate and chairing the workforce committee. "Those are just a few examples of her selflessness and dedication to the college and advocacy of teachers," said Marie Dybala, Orman's friend and colleague at HCC. "She also worked tirelessly to develop resources for students. Most recently, she developed two new courses, a memoir-writing course and the first humanities course that HCC has offered that I know of." In the course, Orman taught great works of visual art and literature. "Her varied background as an artist and an English instructor was crucial to being able to develop and promote the humanities course," Dybala said. When she wasn't focused on education, Orman spent much of her last 30 years creating artwork, which was shown in numerous exhibitions in Houston and around Texas. Her art included a wide variety of abstract collages, portraits of family and friends that often transcended the subjects on which they were based, and works that showed her literary bent, such as the Dante series and other portraits of admired writers such as Toni Morrison. Her art also featured many collaborative works with best friend Charlotte Cosgrove, with whom she lived for 24 years. Their joint work began when Cosgrove and Orman ran a photo business together from 1982 to 1990. That led to a series of hand-colored and altered photographs, one of which is included in the permanent collection of the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. Orman's strong bond and partnership with Cosgrove defined much of the last half of her life. "We were partners in everything," Cosgrove said. "I loved and respected her very deeply." At the time of her death, Orman and Cosgrove were preparing an exhibition of their work in Galveston, which is scheduled to open in April. Orman was just as dedicated to her family as her work. One her greatest joys in her last few years was her grand-daughter Catherine, who is four. "From the moment Catherine was born, Helen was first on scene and she loved Catherine with the same energy and creativity she brought to her art," said Laurie Orman, Orman's daughter-in-law and Catherine's mother. "She was the Grammy who got down on the floor and played the games. When she was with Catherine, she was fully engaged." Her daughter-in-law recalled one day last year when Catherine showed the same artistic spark that Orman had. During a trip they took together to the Smithsonian Museum, Catherine used her grandmother as the base of a sculpture, and covered her with scarves, gloves and other materials. "I think Helen loved it as much as an artist as she did as a grandmother," Laurie said. Orman is survived her two sons Mark and Neil; her long-time friend and companion Charlotte Cosgrove; her daughter-in-law Laurie, her grand-daughter Catherine, her sister-in-law M'Lou Belton, her nephews Alexander and Michael, her ex-husband Ben and her cat Ink. The rest of Orman's time was spent enjoying a wide variety of movies, plays, opera and the cats she owned with Cosgrove. Orman studied at the Glassell School of Art at the Museum of Fine Arts. She earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of North Carolina. She also was an active alumni of Rice University where she spent her first three years of college. A memorial service will be held at 11 A.M. on March 24, 2004 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 2353 Rice Blvd. at Greenbriar. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a student and faculty fund to be named for Helen Belton Orman. The address is HCC Foundation, 3100 Main Street, Suite 12B17, Houston, TX 77002.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Mar. 23, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Orman

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Craig Sowell

April 9, 2004

I was shocked to hear the news on Houston Chronicle.com, which I read daily from 1000 miles away. I recall my first college summer school session at HCC after graduating high school, before transferring to the University of Houston. Helen Orman was quite possibly the nicest professor I ever studied under. She truly cared about us, her students, which made us WANT to learn more from her. One day, I missed class due to illness. She actually called my house later that afternoon to make sure that everything was alright, because she hadn't seen me in class that day! What other professors do that? That just shows how DEDICATED she was to her students! She unselfishly took the time to work with me after class, to help ensure my success in the course. My only regret is that I didn't have the opportunity to take more of her classes. She was an absolute gem, and made a difference in my life. I know she will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Lee-Anne Halterman

April 1, 2004

To the family:



Lem and I would like to extend our sympathy to the family in the tragic loss of their loved one. Our grandaughter, Hannah Bloom, is a friend of Helen's grandaughter, Catherine Orman. We are especially sad that Catherine has lost a beloved grandmother. Judging by the character of Helen described by those who knew her well, Catherine is a gift.... a legacy that will bring sunshine into this crazy world even on this dark day. Fondly, Lem and Lee-Anne Halterman

Hagerstown, Maryland

Cathy Douse-Harris

March 30, 2004

My heartfelf sympathy to the loved ones and many, many friends of Helen. May God continue to bless you and give you peace and comfort.

John Hunger

March 29, 2004

Helen was a gentle spirit. She always struck me as a wise soul. She will be missed by all her ever spent time w/ her!



John E. Hunger

John Fraser

March 26, 2004

To Mark and Neil,

I just heard the news from my oldest sister Catsie, and I am very saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. Over the years I have thought of my child-hood friends many times wondering how you are and who you have become. I have great memories from our time together on Kuldell and want you to know that my family's thoughts and prayers are with you.

Judy Cantwell

March 26, 2004

I am so saddened and shocked by Helen's death. She was friendly and encouraging when I was new at HCCS. Later when we worked together on committees or other projects, you could count on her: to be a facilitator, to work intelligently and competently, and to be an asset to the group. As I read over this paragraph, I realize that what I say sounds mundane. I do not mean for it to be. I guess that it just means that I don't have Helen's way with words and cannot fully express my feeling of loss.

Dolores Garner

March 24, 2004

I met Helen through Faculty Senate. She was a very intelligent and gifted person and she always seemed to have a twinkle in her eyes...even when things were hectic. She had a way that calmed others and will most surely be missed by her colleagues at HCC. My condolences to her family and immediate friends. God Bless.

James Smith

March 24, 2004

I remember Helen Orman as a valued HCCS faculty member who took on many leadership roles. She inspired others, by her actions, to be good, dedicated Leaders and/or Followers.

James Smith, Northeast Librarian 713.718.7456

Christina Kellaway Loescher

March 24, 2004

My heart goes out to all of you for the loss of such an amazing teacher, partner, friend and parent.



This heart was woven of human joys and cares, Washed marvellously with sorrow, swift to mirth. The years had given her kindness. Dawn was hers, And sunset, and the colours of the earth. She had seen movement, and heard music; known slumber and waking; loved; gone proudly friended; Felt the quick stir of wonder; sat alone; Touched flowers and furs and cheeks. All this is ended... But think, this heart, all evil shed away, A pulse in the eternal mind, no less... (adapted from Rupert Brook)

Marilyn DouglasJones

March 24, 2004

Words cannot express the shock and dismay I felt upon receiving such news. I have known and admired Helen Orman for most of my years at HCC. She was certainly a role model for me as a colleague in English, and her calm demeanor and clear-headedness on faculty issues have encouraged me on many occasions. While tomorrow is promised to none of us, Helen's art is a legacy that will keep her spirit with us always. My best wishes to her family and all who share this grief...

Bill Poe

March 24, 2004

There are many members of Helen's St. Philip family who have been remembering her in prayers of thanksgiving for her life and art, and of intercession for those dear to her.

Rosa Hsu

March 24, 2004

I am a librarian at LRC/Library Support, HCC. The first time I met Helen was in 1999 when she was the President of the Faculty Senate. I was very impressed by her energetic and cheerful spirit when she conducted the meetings. After my department moved from Central College to 3100 Main, I did not get to see her much any more. I still have vivid memories of her and the memories will stay with me forever.

John Marek

March 24, 2004

Reading over the comments in these entries, I feel I missed out on knowing a truly wonderful individual. I met Helen through the faculty meetings several years ago. I recognized her name from college email postings. I share her love of English literature. My heart is truly saddened by this tragedy. I am sure she will be missed by those to whom she was close. Please accept my heart-felt condolences.



Sincerely,

John Marek, Computer Science Department, HCCS SW

leigh NALL

March 24, 2004

fIRST i WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILY AND FREINDS. I CAN'T BEGIN TO EXPRESS THE HUGE IMPACT MS. ORMAN HAD IN MY LIFE. IT TOOK ME 26 YEARS TO EMBRACE AND LOVE LITERATURE AND ALL IT TOOK WAS TO WALK INTO MS. ORMAN'S CLASS IN 1997. I TRUELY APPRECIATE THE PASSION I WAS ALLOWED TO ABSORB FROM HER WHEN SHE TAUGHT WORLD LITERATURE. MS. ORMAN YOU TRUELY WERE A STAR WHICH SHINNED BRIGHT HERE ON EARTH AND WHEN I LOOK UP IN THE SKY AND SEE THE BRIGHTEST STAR SHINNING I WILL KNOW YOUR WATCHING.

leigh NALL

March 24, 2004

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILY AND FREINDS. I CAN'T BEGIN TO EXPRESS THE HUGE IMPACT MS. ORMAN HAD IN MY LIFE. IT TOOK ME 26 YEARS TO EMBRACE AND LOVE LITERATURE AND ALL IT TOOK WAS TO WALK INTO MS. ORMAN'S CLASS IN 1997. I TRUELY APPRECIATE THE PASSION I WAS ALLOWED TO ABSORB FROM HER WHEN SHE TAUGHT WORLD LITERATURE. MS. ORMAN YOU TRUELY WERE A STAR WHICH SHINNED BRIGHT HERE ON EARTH AND WHEN I LOOK UP IN THE SKY AND SEE THE BRIGHTEST STAR SHINNING I WILL KNOW YOUR WATCHING.

Jan Zollars

March 24, 2004

It's rare when you meet someone that you instantly know you have a great deal in common with. Helen was one of those people. Last year before traveling to Brittany, Helen contacted me to discuss this magical area of France. Her eyes lit up, as did her imagination as I spoke of legends and traditional dances that lasted throughout the night. But it was the standing stones of Carnac that was the highlight of the trip she told me just weeks ago. She looked forward to returning.



There are tourists, and then there are travelers. Helen was a traveler. Her passion for life and all it offered made her who she was. I wish I had the chance to know her better.

She was unique.



Jan Zollars, HCC Communications Dept.

Joe McDade

March 24, 2004

Helen was always a reminder to me: that I could always try harder as a teacher, always do more, always be more available and attentive to my students and colleagues. Her example is one I shall carry with me always. RIP.

Slim Bloodworth

March 23, 2004

I met Helen through a young lady named Alex. Though I only met Helen a handful of times, she held my deepest fascination and admiration. She was a remarkable woman. She sparked my mind with thought and discovery, she never judged and had more compassion that anyone I'd ever met. Alex and I are heart broken and send all of our prayers to the family.

Betty Proctor

March 23, 2004

Helen Orman was greatly admired by the faculty and students at HCC and will be greatly missed. She was kind, generous, and inquisitive--and I will always remember her warm smile and the twinkle in her eyes. Helen was truly a great person, and she taught us all many lessons about how to live. I will remember her always.

Azaleigh Maginnis

March 23, 2004

On behalf of my Mother, Azaleigh Maginnis, I express our deepest sympathy to Helen's family and close friend, Charlotte. Helen and Azaleigh were good freinds and music buddies for many years. Mother admired her greatly. Her kindness,generosity and creativity will be missed by many.

Annick Boutros

March 23, 2004

I am very sorry for your loss.

Yovanny Pulcini

March 23, 2004

I knew Helen in a professional capacity, but counted her as a friend. In those first few months when I was still learning my job, at which I sometimes felt utterly awkward, she welcomed me and made me feel completely at ease through her openness and her easy smile. I was struck by that and will always remember it.

Please know that those of us who had the pleasure of knowing Helen will miss her greatly.

Lisa Slade

March 23, 2004

I had the pleasure of meeting "Aunt" Helen last Summer at my sister's wedding. Moni Belton is my sister. I just wanted your family to know that new extended family members are thinking of you and praying for your family.

Paula Witt

March 23, 2004

Donald and I are very saddened to hear of your loss. Helen served on committees with both of us and we admired and appreciated her professionalism. We will miss her deeply.

Paula and Donald Witt

Business Technology and Computer Science Depts.

Stephanie Dietrich

March 23, 2004

To the family and friends of Helen: I first met Helen when I was an adjunct at HCC Central and she presented her CD-rom on Dante. I was in awe of her, her work, her amazing intellect and talent. Later I became full-time faculty at HCC NW and enjoyed working more closely with her as a collegue. She was a gift to us all; the academic and art communities will not be the same without her. Blessed Be.

Cynthia Millis

March 23, 2004

Helen was a great traveling companion. On trips to Italy and later, France, we shared great fun and enjoyment of art, scenery, and the great groups with whom we traveled. Doyle and I are so sad that we won't ever be able to do that again. Her death is a huge loss to us all.

Cynthia Millis and Doyle Horton

Charles Cook

March 23, 2004

I met Helen in 1999 while interviewing for my current job at HCCS. She was the incoming President of the Faculty Association and I quickly learned of her passion and devotion to her job, her colleagues, and her students. She was a wise and trusted counsel. She was also a magical, wonderful woman who loved life, and delighted others with her talented teaching, beautiful art, good humor, and recommendations of good books and movies. Helen held my greatest respect and affection and her loss is devastating to me personally and tragic for our college. She will remain an inspiration for us forever, Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor of Educational Development, Houston Community College System.

SaraJean Jackson

March 23, 2004

It should be noted that Helen had many many friends at St. Philip Presbyterian Church where she worshiped for many years. She was an officer there in the early '90s. Her photography contributed to church publications. She was a caring and active member of our AIDS Care Teams. She and I had many serious and sad as well as humorous sharing about the lives of some of our AIDS clients. Helen was a beautiful soul, quiet, unassuming, so very talented, appreciative, and on and on. Her death is truly a tragedy and a terrible sadness for her family and for her friends.

Suraiya Saleem

March 23, 2004

It was a shock to hear of Helen's death. I cannot forget her pleasant, smiling face sitting at her desk whenever I had gone to the office. A wonderful teacher - she was God's gift to us. May she rest in peace - Amen

Wilma Roth

March 23, 2004

Helen was our neighbor on Kuldell street in the '60's. I remember what a good neighbor and mother she was and her boys brought so much joy to our home.

Dianna Ray and Kathy Johnston

March 23, 2004

Our greatest sympathies go out to Charlotte, who is always linked with our memories of Helen. Such a great loss for so many.

Nadene Crain

March 23, 2004

I first met Helen when she joined St. Philip Presbyterian Church in the early 90s. On Easter Sunday, we process our marvelous collection of banners. I wanted a photograph of this procession for our recorded history and other publications. The best place to do this is from the choir loft, at the back of our 5-story sanctuary. Someone suggested I ask Helen to do it and I did. She graciously said yes, and this was no small task as she had to lug her professional photography equipment up 4 flights of stairs to get the shot. But that was Helen, always giving and never saying no. She held the office of Deacon at St. Philip and gave of herself wholeheartedly to service in our congregation.

vickie pringle

March 23, 2004

You've done a great work on earth, helping many people thru your artwork and your care in teaching. I've attended HCC years ago, and didn't have the opportunity to be one of your students. Many shall miss you but your work is now finished, and you've gone to receive your reward. To the family and friends, our prayers and condolences are ever with you. God Bless.

Lois Johnson Kapp

March 23, 2004

I remember Helen as a kind and generous classmate at Rice. She was a good friend.

Emily Watson

March 23, 2004

May God be with the family through this horrible ordeal.The Orman family will be in the prays of the HCCS family.

Evelyn Burns

March 23, 2004

Helen will be missed by colleagues and students along with her family and friends. She was my friend and colleague and most of all, my husband and I enojoyed our time together with Helen as a group of us travelled to China in 2001.

Such was a lovely lady. Evelyn and Barret Burns

Dee Hutching

March 23, 2004

I want to offer my condolences to the family of Helen Orman. I was the secretary at Hughes Tools for Helen's Dad for many years and grew to love the entire family through him. I was blessed by God positioning me in a place where I experienced love from people like the Belton's and their offsprings. Helen was always on the go and busy, not just doing something, but busy doing everything! When she would call the office and I'd answer, I'd feel that Belton love flowing through the phone. Her dad loved her more that words could ever express. His eyes would just shine when he spoke of her. I'm sadened in the manner in which Helen's earthly life ended, but I am sure that, in time, God will reveal all things to you and you'll be blessed in knowing that Helen is with Him. My prayer is that God will continue to bless each of you through this trying time and always.

Tom Lotti

March 23, 2004

My deepest sympathy. Helen was such an inspiration to me while I was a student and later, an employee at HCCSW. Sshe will be missed dearly.

Love,

Tom

David Verdun

March 23, 2004

To The Family of Ms. Helen:

My grandmother, Stella Latiolais, always spoke highly of Ms. Helen. I couldn't understand how the two of them could be so close. With my limited knowledge, I could only imagine them as employer and employee. My grandmother insisted that we know how wonderful Ms. Helen was and she proceeded to tell us all about her. It wasn't until I met Ms. Helen that I finally understood how great she was. It breaks my heart that she is gone. To loose such a rare being surely leaves a void in all of our lives. I pray that time will heal you and allow you to carry on. My only consolation is that Grandma & Ms. Helen are able to see each other again. May God bless you and keep you safe.



David & Gerald Verdun

Cathy Conn

March 23, 2004

I learned last night from Pam Johnson of Helen's death, and I am shocked and so saddened. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of such deep loss.

Deborah and Mike Hardwick

March 23, 2004

Words cannot express our loss. We remember our trip to Hungary and the Czech Republic with Helen as clearly as if it were yesterday.



She was indeed a woman for all seasons.

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