Helen Mary Cortez

Helen Mary Cortez, 84 years old, of Colton, California, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024. She was born in Colton, graduated from Colton High School and received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. Helen started her career in Administration working for the San Bernardino County. Her proudest career accomplishment was working for the City of Colton as an Administrative Analyst II.

She married Plasido Cortez, had five children, and together they raised them in Colton.

Helen had a passion for serving the Lord and the community. Helen was a member of the Blue Army, the Bereavement Ministry, the American Legion, volunteered at the Veteran’s Hospital, and served 39 years as a Eucharistic Minister. She was awarded the State Award from the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Colton Post. Helen was very involved with the Colton Carl Rimbaugh Girls Softball Organization where she served on the board and was the score keeper for the Dodgettes Team(s). She was a very proud Colton High School Marching Band Parent and traveled to all their competitions. Helen also supported the Colton Pop Warner and Colton High School Football Organization. In addition to her community support, Helen supported her son’s band Natural High by funding the equipment, spreading the word about the band, and attending the gigs. Helen loved all sports. However, her favorites were both college and professional football. She cheered on USC and Auburn and on Sundays – she wore her Chargers jersey cheering them on.

Helen is survived by her five children: Judy Cortez-Benz, Rosemary Cortez-Lett, Plasido “Sonny” Cortez, Catherine “Pumkin” Cortez-Garcia, and Monica Cortez-Thompson. She had 14 Grandchildren and 27 Great Grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother Jose Bernardino “Benny” Quezada, and two sisters Hope Tamayo and Emily Flores.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, Colton.

The Visitation and Rosary will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 5:00pm – 9:00pm at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, Cypress Chapel 24145 Barton Rd, Loma Linda, CA 92354

The Mass will be on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:00am at San Salvador Catholic Church, 178 W K St, Colton, CA 92324.

The interment will follow the mass on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 11:30am at the Hermosa Gardens Cemetery, 900 N Meridian Ave, Colton, CA 92324.