Helen Marie Duncan

Helen Marie Duncan passed away on May 27, 2022, after a courageous 21-year battle with kidney cancer. Helen was born June 22, 1943, in Holdenville, Oklahoma to parents Wesley and Anna Johnson. Helen was raised in a loving home by her mother and grandmother. After graduating from high school in Holdenville, Helen attended college in Ada, Oklahoma at East Central University. Helen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business, English and secondary education. She continued to earn a master’s degree in secondary education at East Central University and secondary administrative certification from Northern Arizona University.

In 1965, Helen moved to Farmington, NM to begin a 26-year journey in education at Hermosa Junior High School. For the first five years, Helen taught English. At the end of five years, her best friend, Pete Crowley, Principal at Hermosa, selected Helen to be the Vice-Principal. Helen became the first female, Native American administrator in the history of Farmington Schools. Helen was of Muskogee Creek descent. As a team, with dedicated staff, Pete and Helen ushered in a “golden” age of education at Hermosa for the next 20 years.

In 1990, Helen married Ken Hare at the Hare Family Ranch in Pagosa Springs, CO. Thus, began a new 31-year adventure for Helen. Helen and Ken were partners in business, ranching and farming. Helen became a dedicated ranch hand at the Hare Family Ranch where she found great solitude, peace and joy.

In 2001, Helen was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer and given 4-5 months to live. Helen decided to fight the disease. Despite multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and numerous associated health issues, Helen enjoyed a quality of life that included adventure and travel. Helen and Ken enjoyed over 30 cruises to Europe, Russia, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Alaska, Central America and South America. They traveled extensively in the United States, Italy and Great Britain.

In 2011, Helen decided she would like to move to Santa Fe. She felt the vortex spirit, ambiance, artistic and literary culture of Santa Fe would enhance her well-being in fighting her cancer. Helen found a beautiful home she loved that provided great comfort for her. Helen’s spirit of wellness thrived. After 21 years her cancer finally overwhelmed her. Her spirit and longevity inspired others to fight and not give up. She fought the good fight and enjoyed a life well lived.

Helen is survived by her husband Ken Hare; her devoted and beloved sister Estelle Thompson; brothers Nelson Johnson and John Johnson; stepson Lance Hare; step-grandsons Ethan and Auston; devoted nieces Sally and Debbie; nephews Robert, Michael and William and sister in laws Kathy David and Judy Steffens. Brothers Charles and Raymond and former husband Franklin Duncan preceded Helen in death.

Cremation has taken place. A tribute to Helen’s life will held Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Dane Robinson officiating.