Theta Carter

Theta Shirley Downs Carter, 86, died Saturday, March 21, 2020, at Orchard Park Health Care Center in Centennial, Colorado, of complications from Parkinson's disease. Her loving spirit is carried on by her beloved husband of 66 years, David James Carter, and daughters, Adele Carter (Harold Scatterday, III) and Gayle Carter (Dell Brooks); much-loved in-laws, nieces, nephews and their families; and an extended family of treasured friends.

Theta was born in Elizabeth, Colorado, on November 3, 1933, to the late Harry Earl and Mildred Irvin Smith Downs. She graduated from Denver East High School in 1951. On June 6, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, David Carter.

Theta's corporate career was spent as a Statistical Transcriptionist in the insurance industry. She retired from Fireman's Fund Insurance.

Theta and Dave shared a love of visiting with and entertaining family and friends, traveling to London, Hawaii, Canada, and various cities for the reunions of Dave's Navy shipmates, membership in WISE genealogy group, and pride in volunteering at their church. Theta enjoyed her membership in the United Methodist Women organization at Lakewood UMC. A proud Colorado native, she enjoyed being in Colorado's mountains. She was an avid reader and a life-long learner who enjoyed college classes in literature and art. She enjoyed the arts, especially music and ballet.

Her family and friends were blessed to learn many beautiful lessons from Theta. She passed along her love for books and music to her daughters. She modeled thoughtfulness and was mindful of staying connected with family and friends with loving notes, cards and calls, even as it became harder for her to write or talk. She always modeled grace and dignity and courage – even as her health began to fail.

Theta was loved and cherished for her kindness, her thoughtfulness – and her homemade cinnamon rolls.

The family extends thanks and heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful health care providers and staff at Orchard Park Health Care Center for the professional, kind-hearted, and gentle care provided to Theta.

A private Memorial Service will be held for Theta on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 11:00 in the morning at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood in the Family Chapel. Theta has been laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Theta's memory to:

The Music and Arts Ministry at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202

Parkinson Association of the Rockies, 1325 S. Colorado Blvd., Unit 204, Denver, CO 80222, or online at parkinsonrockies.org

Please share memories and condolences for Theta by signing the tribute wall.