A candle was lit by Jeff Martens on December 5, 2021 12:13 PM

A candle was lit by Jeff Martens on December 5, 2021 12:12 PM

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I just heard about her passing. Although it has been four years, I wanted to leave a message anyway. I loved Mrs. Gordon‘s music class at Jefferson Elementary, from Kindergarten through 5th grade. 1981-1987. Her passion, skill, and humor helped build a lifetime of music making for me. I became a music teacher myself. To this day, I often think of her and wonder, “How would Mrs. Gordon have taught this.” She was a master music teacher who made a difficult job look easy and natural. I have recently purchased an Autoharp to add to my classroom. That was one of her go to instruments for accompanying singing. I am 46 years old and her example inspires me to this day.

“Thank you Mrs. Gordon for showing me the joys and possibilities that Music has to offer. You made a difference in my life.”

Message from Paul

Just a few weeks ago I was walking by the former Washington Elementary School and Mrs. Gordon was one of the few positive influences that came back back to mind. To this day I very clearly remember her passion to reveal the love, joy and fun that music can give. If not for teachers like her, the true meaning of music would have faded out too soon. To this day I still get a warm childhood chuckle when I think back to her fun ways to interest us in music with games such as "Name That Tune" and "Musical Baseball". She wasn't afraid to share some humor with us occasionally either... I vividly remember her setting up a life sized cardboard cutout of John Denver or Barry Manilow up next to her piano then giving it a "crush like" hug with a big humorous grin on her face. All in all, she was a fun, caring soul with a passion to teach. She was an influence on me more than she ever knew. See ya again someday

Much Love & Thanks
Paul

Message from Amy Becker Amend

I couldn’t wait for Mrs. Gordon to get to our room for music!! She was so full of joy and happiness, and that was very effective for all of us wanting to sing and escape the real world during the week. We all loved that she kept up to date on new music too.

A candle was lit by Kenny Clifton on December 11, 2017 10:34 AM

A candle was lit by Ashley Robl on December 10, 2017 7:50 PM

Message from Ashley Robl (Leckliter)

Piano lessons with Mrs. Gordon were a highlight of my week. I especially loved seeing her goose dressed up according to the weather. Her kindness and warm personality were unmatched. Such a special person.

A candle was lit by Jeff and Lisa Parsons on December 10, 2017 6:55 AM

A candle was lit by Shelia Vanbuskirk on December 9, 2017 9:13 AM

Message from Julie L Utech

We LOVED Helen...my daughter took piano lessons from her and she was such an inspirational teacher. She was always happy and positive. She will be missed by many!!! RIP Helen.

Message from Julie Parsons

I so loved Mrs. Gordon. She had such a wonderful sense of humor and of fun. I always looked forward to music in grade school. RIP my dear.

A candle was lit by Lisa Newman on December 8, 2017 6:02 AM

Message from Lisa Newman

So sorry for your loss. Many fond memories of Mrs. Gordon growing up. She always let us sing The Lolly Pop Tree.

A candle was lit by Ryan and Leahya Mitchell on December 8, 2017 3:30 AM

Message from Wade Burtchet

When Mrs. Gordon taught music to my classmates and I, she was unbelievably enthusiastic and happy. She loved playing piano while singing and joking with students, oftentimes making silly vocalizations or purposely hitting wrong piano notes, or changing song lyrics to help maintain interest. The laughter and music we shared...it was so special and, even back then, I cherished my time with her.
This may not be the time or place to get REAL specific, yet, as I've aged, every time I've heard the song, "Home on the Range", I've thought specifically of Mrs. Gordon and how she changed the lyrics of THAT song, so as to go along with a popular kids' movie which had been in theaters around that time - "Ghostbusters".
Mrs. Gordon changed the lyrics: "Home, home on the range, where the deer and the antelope play" -- to "Slime, slime is such goo, I can aim it and drop it on you!" Boy, if THOSE lyrics didn't send us into hysterics! Haha! You think we didn't want to sing THAT song everyday???!!
Later on in my life, I went on to take many music classes at both Butler and KU, and although I didn't end-up becoming a certified music teacher as initially planned, these days I still often play music in the El Dorado area, and am currently a 5th-grade teacher-aide in the very same building where Mrs. Gordon first taught ME about the enjoyment of music! (at Lincoln Elementary, in El Dorado) So, now, everyday while I'm at work, I get to pass-by the very room where Mrs. Gordon taught me why music is important!
Her music-teaching aside, Mrs. Gordon was just a great, caring person -- fun-loving and enthusiastic.
It's now been about 35 years since she began teaching me music, and about 30 since last seeing her, so I was initially surprised tonight at my sudden tears when hearing of her passing, but I know it has to be because I knew (and know) that we've all lost (quote/unquote) "one of the great ones".
(And my mind has to question: How often does a person impact a lot of lives without ever knowing it?)
My! What a positive and impactful person she was!
...and her heart and "example" of how to live still endure now!
I'm sure many other people here can also testify about how great Mrs. Gordon was. (I also want to say I sure enjoy seeing her picture included, here -- her sweet smile.)

Message from Jeff Martens

I feel the same way.

Message from Bob Cain

I so sorry to hear of Mrs. Gordon"s passing. I had her as a music teacher beginning in second grade through fifth grade in the early 80's. I still sing songs she taught us. She introduced us to John Denver being played on the autoharp. She left many fond memories with many students. I even taught some of her songd to my kids. She was the first to teach me that it was ok to enjoy music. She was an incredible lady. I would see here from time-to-time over the years and she always remembered me and knew my name. The world is a little less bright with Helen Gordon gone. I have a vision
When she meets Jesus she will sing the following.....I'm Helen Gordon, tell me what your name is. Rest in peace.

Message from Mindy Burris

I met sweet Helen at TOPS. She was always everyone’s cheerleader rooting us on in our weight loss ventures. She was so funny and such a sweet lady. May the Lord wrap the family in his loving arms in this difficult time. Rest In Peace Helen. ❤️

A candle was lit by Bob Dai on December 7, 2017 10:40 PM

Message from Nancy J.

Enjoyed her music class at Washington elementary school. Helen always had a smile and had lots of humor.
Very kind teacher easy to talk and have fun with.
R.I.P Helen you will be missed.

Message from Terry and Gayle Oaks

Mark,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. It was my pleasure to work with your mother at Jefferson School in my early teaching years. I can remember her pushing the piano from classroom to classroom and always with a smile on her face. ...She was such a fun and positive person! May the Lord comfort you all. Heaven gained a precious soul!

A candle was lit by Nancy Johnson on December 7, 2017 10:34 PM

A candle was lit by Terry and Gayle Oaks on December 7, 2017 10:31 PM

A candle was lit by Jena Fitzmaurice Roby on December 7, 2017 10:14 PM

Message from Cindy Evans Wilson

What a wonderful teacher. Many good memories, I was just telling my granddaughter today about all of the Christmas music we used to sing.
Cindy Evans Wilson

Message from David Sherrer

Helen was such a great friend of my mother, Dorothy. She helped me out with my mother when she fell ill in 2006. I appreciated the care she gave my mom during her last month of her life. My prayers are with her family and many friends.

A candle was lit by Dan and Brenda Sherman on December 7, 2017 8:40 PM