Helen R. Bernal

Helen Ramirez Bernal went to be with the Lord on December 15, 2025. She was born on February 03, 1938, to Santos Cruz Ramirez and Manuel Ramirez Sr., as the youngest of nine children. Caring for her family was the center of her life.

Helen was born and raised in San Antonio, Tx. She met Gustavo Bernal Sr. through a mutual friend and they married on September 07, 1958. They had 67 years together filled with celebrations, family gatherings, and vacations. Helen and Gustavo had four children, Gustavo Jr., Anna Maria, Guadalupe, and Norma.

Due to family health issues, Helen withdrew from high school and was unable to graduate as a teenager. Later in years she returned to school and received her diploma at the age of 42 in 1982 from John F. High School.

Helen worked at Ace Manufacturing, Gonzalez Elementary, and later became a stay-at-home mom. She enjoyed floral arranging and cake making for a few quinceañeras and special events. Helen and Gustavo played in co-ed softball teams for many years along with their siblings and spouses. They enjoyed camping and vacationing with their family. Helen also enjoyed landscaping and gardening around her home. She loved fully decorating her home for every holiday. She was a parishioner at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church.

In the late 90’s Helen and Gustavo co-founded Gustavo’s Mexican Restaurant and Bernal Real Estate Investment Properties. She managed both businesses until they were both fully retired.

Helen led a beautiful life full of love, grace, and strength. She was a blessing to all who were around her and a role model for many. She is remembered for her considerate nature, exemplifying her selflessness, and generosity by all that knew her. Everyone will treasure the memories made with her and carry on the traditions she loved.

She was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents Santos Cruz Ramirez and Manuel Ramirez Sr.; siblings Margarita Ramirez, Alice Castillo, Elvira Vasquez, Manuel Ramirez, Lazaro Ramirez, and Dora Rendon; and brother-in-law Victor De Leon.

She is survived by her husband Gustavo D. Bernal Sr.; children Gustavo Bernal Jr. (Melinda Meza), Anna Maria Duenas (Efren), Guadalupe Bernal (Anastasia), and Norma VanWinkle (Troy); grandchildren Gustavo Bernal III (Sylvia Guzman), Isabella Bueno (Jacob), Justin Bernal, Alexis Duenas, Adrian Bernal, Brandon Bernal, Christopher Bernal, and Kristina Bernal; great grandchildren Nicolas Bueno and Jaiden Bueno; several step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; brothers Jesse Ramirez (Josefina) and Edward Ramirez (Linda); sisters-in-law Socorro Ramirez, Elvia De Leon, Dolores Trevino (Juan); brother-in-law Juan D. Bernal (Olga); and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Sunday, January 04, 2026, starting at 4 pm with a Holy Rosary at 6 pm at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino Funeral Home at 226 Cupples Rd., 78237. On Monday, January 05, 2026, there will be a gathering at 8:30 am at the funeral home before a departure at 9:30 am in procession to St. John Berchmans Catholic Church at 1147 Cupples Rd., 78237 for a 10 am Mass. Afterwards the procession will continue to San Fernando Cemetery III at 1735 Cupples Rd., 78226 for the Burial.

Gustavo Bernal III, Jacob Bueno, Justin Bernal, Adrian Bernal, Brandon Bernal, Christopher Bernal, Albert Moreno III, Raymond Vasquez, Eddie Ramirez Jr., and Gilbert Garcia will be acting as Pallbearers.