Helen Louise Wingo

WINGO -- Helen Louise, of Boulder, CO, formerly of Tulsa, OK, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2007 at the age of 92 years. Helen was born on August 1, 1914 in Springfield, MO, to Harry and Adola Dyer. She attended University of Missouri and graduated from Drury College where she was an active member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She married George Wingo in 1943 and shortly after moved to Tulsa. She and George had 2 children, Gary and Kathryn. They were charter members of John Knox Presbyterian Church. While living and teaching in Tulsa, she founded Helen's Nursery and Dance School that opened in 1954. Her school grew from a nursery school in a small house with morning classes to a campus with preschool through fifth grade. Always focusing on the individual needs of each child and family, her school remains an education pillar in our community. After 53 years her school continues as Miss Helen's Private School under the ownership of daughter-in-law, Lynda Wingo. Helen was involved in numerous educational organizations throughout the years and she especially enjoyed her volunteer work at Children's Medical Center. Her passion for children and education was only surpassed by her zest for life. She loved people, loved talking with parents and was a mentor for many educators over the years. Her vision for a school has touched over 10,000 children and left each of them with heartfelt memories of a nurturing childhood and educational achievement While teaching was at her core, her hobby of tennis proved to be an immense gift at a young age. Her greatest athletic accomplishment was playing in the U. S. Open at Forrest Hills New Your. In addition to playing and teaching tennis Helen was a dedicated supporter of the Tulsa Arts. She attended and enjoyed the Symphony, Ballet and Little Theater. One of Helen's most treasured legacies to her children and grandchildren was her thoughtfulness, generosity and love of family. She is survived by: her son, Gary and wife, Lynda, Broken Arrow, OK; daughter, Kathy Daniel and husband, Lee of Boulder, CO; 5 grandchildren, Shawn Wingo and wife, Allison, Jayme Wingo Martin and husband, Charlie, all of Broken Arrow, Matt Daniel of Denver, CO, Todd Daniel and wife, Brooke, of Portland, OR, and Tyler Daniel of San Diego. In addition, Helen was blessed with 5 great-grandchildren, Alaina, Dillion, Blake, Brooke and Caden. They all loved "Mema" deeply and will always remember the lady with the will to live each day completely. She was known for saying the success to her life was that "she kept moving", never stopping and always loving the people around her. Donations may be made in memory of Helen Wingo to Hospice Care of Boulder, 2594 Trailridge Drive East. Lafayette, CO, 80026. Helen's family will receive visitors at Stanley's Funeral Home from 6-7:30 p.m., Friday, March 2, 2007. Service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, March 3 at Stanley's.