Helen was born on July 7, 1942 in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico to the late Paula Torrez Mercado and Ulpiano Mercado. Helen was married to Santos Felix Malave on April 8, 1962. She became an United States Army wife and traveled with her husband to all the stations of duty to include Germany, Panama, and several in the United States. They settled in Columbus, Georgia after Santos’ retirement. Helen was a devout Catholic by faith. She loved her family and spending time with them. Helen was talented at interior design and painting on canvas. She also loved traveling and sightseeing with her husband. When not traveling she enjoyed gardening in her yard alongside her husband. Helen will be greatly missed by all who knew and especially loved her.
She leaves her loving memory to be cherished by her loving husband of 59 years, Santos Malave; daughter, Helen A. Valentin (Ivan) of San Antonio, TX; son, Felix Alexis Malave (Danitza) of Cusseta, GA; granddaughter: Lindsey Malave of Cusseta, GA; grandson Ricky Milroy of San Antonio, TX; brother Ramon Mercado of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico; sister Leonides Mercado of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico; and numerous other family members.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 11:00 AM in Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, Columbus, Georgia. Burial will be in Fort Mitchell National Cemetery at 1:30 PM.
Please visit www.shcolumbus.com to share fond memories and condolences with the family.
