Helen Tellez Escalera

Helen Escalera was born in Bakersfield, California on October 20th, 1931. She was the daughter of Emma and Julien Tellez. Helen was the third born child and had 2 older siblings Margie and Julien and 2 younger siblings Dorothy and Evelyn. She passed away peacefully in her home of over 70 years on January 25th, 2026 with family by her side.

Helen attended and graduated from East Bakersfield High School. She met Edward Escalera in 1948 and they were married on August 11th, 1950. They had two children, Frank and Yvette. They also had 4 grandchildren Joseph, Kimberly, Gina, and Norah. Along with 10 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren. Helen and Edward shared 67 wonderful years of marriage before Edward’s passing on December 17th, 2017.

Helen dedicated over 25 years to the Department of Motor Vehicles as a Control Cashier. After she retired she went back and worked part time for 5 years before retiring for good. In her retirement, Helen volunteered her time at the Juvenile Probation Department for 10 years.

Helen truly lived life to the fullest. She enjoyed many activities like traveling, bunco, bowling, and camping at Shaver Lake. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and having them over for gatherings. Helen loved to travel to Laughlin and Las Vegas with relatives and friends. She and Edward also traveled all over the world to countries like England, Spain, Italy, China, Australia, and the Philippines. There were also cruises to Mexico and Caribbeans.

Helen is survived by her children Frank Escalera and Yvette Aguilar(Escalera) along with grandchildren Joseph Escalera, Kimberly Shelton(Escalera), Gina Aguilar, and Norah Aguilar. Along with all of her great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Dorothy Gonzales and Evelyn(Danny) Ruiz.

The family would also like to express deep gratitude and many thanks to Helen's caregiver Victoria Arias, who took wonderful care of Helen these last years.

A visitation will take place on February 9, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest, located at 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306, US.

The funeral service will follow on the same day, February 9, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the same venue.

The committal service is scheduled for February 9, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm at Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest.