Helen “Joelyn” Linn, 85, of Lafayette, passed away on Dec. 24, 2022 after a brief battle with cancer.

Joelyn was born on July 11, 1937 to Jennie and Joseph Roeder in Leadville. After graduating from Leadville High School in 1955, she worked at the Resurrection Mining Company where she met her future husband, Kurt Linn. They were married on October 28, 1956 and moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where Joelyn earned an associate degree from Boston University. When Joelyn had her first daughter, Mandy, she decided to dedicate her life to being a mother. During this time, Joelyn and her growing family lived in several places across the globe, but finally returned to Leadville, Joelyn’s true home. 

“Joelyn excelled at propping up her husband and four girls, supporting them selflessly through the many passions and challenges of their lives,” her family said. “She made it her mission to gently touch the lives of others.” 

Joelyn was a passionate volunteer, and when she wasn’t spreading warmth and kindness at home, she was out doing so in the community. She was heavily involved in her church, Waveny Care Center in New Canaan, Connecticut, Eastern Star and the National Forest Service. Also a musician, Joelyn took joy in playing the organ at First Presbyterian Church of Leadville. “We will miss her greatly,” her family said. 

Joelyn was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Jennie, her brother Charles and her husband Kurt. She is survived by her daughters Mandy (Dave) Linn Capan, Sandy (Mark) Linn Schneider, Tammy (Nick) Linn Dawe and Cindy (Nowell) Linn Outlaw; her grandchildren Lauren and Avery Schneider, Hayden and Gavin Outlaw and Josh and Lucas Dawe; and her brother Bob Roeder. 

A memorial service was held on Dec. 27 at First Presbyterian Church of Leadville.

Donations in Joelyn’s name can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Leadville. Please include “Organ Fund” in the check’s memo, and mail to P.O. Box 498, Leadville, CO 80461.