Helen Marie Joseph

August 5, 1928-January 9, 2021

She left us in the early morning of January 9, 2021, when softly came the dawn. And since she never said good-bye, it’s hard to think she’s gone. Although she left us weeping, lonely and with aching hearts, we know the angels are keeping her, where sweet joys will never depart.

Helen passed at the age of 92, and was preceded in death by her parents Helen and Louis Daywood, her loving husband of 60 years James Joseph, Sr., and her son James Joseph Jr.

Helen was born and raised in Austin. She attended Austin High School, where she obtained her High School Diploma. Helen enjoyed the arts, including theater and poetry. In her youth, she had a part in Little Rascals, as well as various other plays. Throughout life, she enjoyed writing poetry in her spare time, as well as dancing.

Helen became an accomplished entrepreneur in the 1950’s, when her and her husband opened their own Mexican food restaurant El Matador. El Matador became a landmark in the Austin area for over 50 years.

Helen was a dedicated mother and grandmother, first and foremost. She treasured her children and grandchildren and cherished every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Titah. She had a vivacious and warm personality and always made the people around her feel loved and welcomed. No one was a stranger to her. She made friends everywhere she went and was loved by all, including her customers at El Matador. Although her children and grandchildren called her mom and Titah, they were not alone. She was known as mom, Titah, aunt, sister, and friend to numerous others.

Helen is the loving and devoted mother of Helen Joseph Finke, Jr, and husband Dennis Finke and Morris Joseph and wife Cheryl Joseph and adored grandmother of Cristal Finke, Jena and Chris Dubon, Morris Jr. and Morgan Joseph, and Cody and Nikki Rogers, great grandmother to Lillyana, Aaliyah, and Emma Dubon, Dakota and Sydney Rogers, Haven and Dillon Williams, and Mason Rogers, great-great grandmother of Kamryn Rogers and Carter Williams, and loving aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic, the family will be holding a private funeral, however there will be a viewing available on Wednesday January 13, 2021 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Cook-Walden Funeral Home located at 6100 N. Lamar Blvd. for family and friends to say their goodbyes, should they choose. Please note, family will not be present for this, however there will be a party to celebrate her life later this year once the pandemic passes. The family asks that you please consider your safety and the safety of your family, as this is our first priority.

A special thank you to the amazing physicians who provided compassionate and exceptional medical care for Helen, including Dr. Terry Chambless, Dr. Elia Saadeh, Dr. Jon Smedley, and Dr. Scott Seidel. The care they provided is what medicine is about.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the sympathy, comforting words, prayers, and all expressions of kindness and concern. May God bless you always.

“Let your light so shine….” Matthew 5:16