Obituary of Helen D. Critchley

Helen Adair DeRosier Critchley was called home early Thursday morning at St. Joseph's Hospital at the age of 79. She is survived by her spouse of 58 years, Jim Critchley; her 5 children, Jeannine Leverenz (Chris), Jim Critchley (Karen), Tricia Alpeche (Gerald), Sean Critchley, and Meagan Willard (David); her 11 grandchildren, Derek Leverenz, Kristi Critchley, Caitlin Smith, Donovan Critchley, Cara McKinley, Richie Willard, Liam Critchley, Jeremy Critchley, Brianna Leverenz, Jordan Willard, and Riley Alpeche; a great grandchild, Serenity Willard; and her two sisters, Janet DeRosier Smith (Mitch) and Suzanne DeRosier. Helen was a nurse and spent all of her time taking care of others. She grew up in Benson, AZ and was eldest of three daughters of Susan DeRosier Frick and Logan DeRosier. She lived there for much of her young life. Helen was passionate about medicine and treating others. After graduation from St. Joeseph's School of Nursing, she began her nursing career in Douglas. While working in Douglas, she and Jim began dating. They were married shortly thereafter. They began their family in Douglas with the births of Jeannine and Jim. In 1962, the family moved to Tucson where Tricia, Sean and Meagan were born. Helen gracefully balanced the life of a career woman and a mother without ever batting an eye. After she completed her nursing career in both Douglas and in the Vail School District, and her children were grown, she enjoyed spending many years with her grandchildren. Her legacy and her dedication for caregiving live on through her family. She was a devout Catholic and made endless contributions to St. Pius Catholic Church, where she and Jim are members, and both her vigil and the service will be held there this upcoming week. The Rosary will be held Friday, February 16th at 5pm and the Mass Saturday, February 17th at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please honor Helen's memory by donating to Habitat for Humanity.