Helen Padilla

Maria Elena Juanita Padilla also known as “Nena” and Helen, passed away suddenly on Saturday evening, June 2, 2012 at her home in Albuquerque, NM. Helen was born in Colonias, NM, and lived in Santa Rosa, NM for most of her life. Helen moved to Albuquerque, NM, around 2003. Helen was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was passionate about her family. She will be remembered for living life to the fullest extent each and every day. The family appreciates the technicians and the care provided at the Fresenius Center on Randolph. Helen formed many friendships at this center and the family asks that you keep all of those at the center and those with Diabetes in your prayers. Helen worked with her husband Floyd for over 30 years in motel, grocery store, bar, and restaurant businesses. Helen loved to travel but most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends. Helen loved arts and crafts and sewing quilts with her mother and visiting with her sisters, Bernadette, Prudy, Viola and Christine. Helen looked forward to family get-togethers and loved and adored her seven children and their spouses, her 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Helen is survived by her husband of 57 years Floyd, her children, Shirley and Jonathan Prince, Catherine Cave-Evans and Steve Griego, Susan and Frank Lueras, Rose and Robert Delgado, Carol and Alfredo Gonzales, Melissa Padilla, and Patrick and Paula Padilla. Helen was preceded in death by her son Floyd, Jr., grandson Ivan Cave, Son-in-law Craig Cave, her mother Amada, father Eulalio, and brothers Ben and Robert Madrid; brothers-in-law Joe V. Sanchez, Gilbert Padilla, Reynaldo Padilla, Gilbert Casaus, and Raul Garcia. The recital rosary services will take place on Tuesday,June 5, 2012 at 7:00 pm from St. Rose of Lima Church, the funeral mass will take place on Wednesday at 2:00 PM also form St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Santa Rosa, NM, with the interment immediately following the mass at St. Joseph Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Honorary pall bearers are her extended family. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street, Santa Rosa, NM, 88435, (575) 472-3369. www.chavezfuneralhome.com