Angelita "Helen" Rodriguez

Our beloved aunt, Angelita "Helen" Rodriguez, went to be with our Lord on October 3, 2013. She is preceded in death by her parents, Zenon and Juanita Rodriguez, her brothers Jesse and Joe Rodriguez, sisters Mary Rodriguez and Alice Alfrido and niece Connie Gutierrez and nephew Joe Rodriguez and sister-in-law Mary Rodriguez.

She is survived by nieces Gloria Guevara, Margaret Wells, Anna Griffin, Sandra Settles, Sylvia Pirtle and Liz Juszczak. Helen’s surviving nephews include Jesse Rodriguez, Jr., Joe Alfrido, Andrew Alfrido and Charlie Rodriguez. She is survived by numerous grand nieces and grand nephews.

Everyone knew Angelita as Aunt Helen. Surprisingly, many family members never knew her given birth name was Angelita. She was like a mother to her niece Margaret, whom she helped to raise. She was Grandma Helen to Margaret’s children, Nicole and Gregory. Gregory’s children knew her as Grandma Lala. Helen never married. Her nieces and her nephews were her children for whom she cared and dearly loved.

Helen worked at Fox Photo in the 40's and Zale's Optical Department during the 50’s. She was Admissions Staff person at the former Medical Arts Hospital downtown in the 60's. She loved watching novelas, enjoyed her clown figurines and was a devoted SPURS fan. She enjoyed gambling in Las Vegas and Reno. Oh, how she could get upset when she lost her money! Travel, a favorite pastime, took her to San Francisco, Disneyland, Virginia, Oklahoma, Mexico and so many cities in her great state of Texas. She had a great sense of humor. Helen was well known for her “Helen” sayings. Her appreciation for beauty was ever present. She never left the house without being dressed and made up for any occasion.

Helen knew physical challenges early in life as she struggled with the effects of childhood polio. She tells the story of being a real tomboy – climbing trees, playing marbles and enjoying the outdoors. She was courageous in facing life's challenges never giving up. Helen shared her life with her nieces, nephews and their children teaching us to remain strong and to never give up in life. Her legacy to the family: learn from life’s challenges and use them as opportunities to grow and become personally enriched.

In 2011when Helen needed nursing home care Helen’s niece Sandra Settles and nephew Andy Alfrido and his wife, Bea, took on the role of primary caregivers supporting the Legend Oaks nursing staff. As San Antonio residents Sandra, Andy and Bea were ever at Helen's side. Andy brought her laughter. Sandra’s care giving role created a very close bond and special love for her Aunt Helen. Helen received great support from grand nieces Yvonne Garcia and Jacqueline Alfrido and grand nephews Andrew Alfrido and Mark Rutledge and his family during Helen's last days of her life's journey. They brought her joy, laughter and lots of love. California calls from Nicole Wells and Greg Wells also helped Helen know that she was loved from far away. On her final day her family surrounded her to share their love with one another and say "goodby" to their Aunt Helen.

Helen will be missed by all. We are at peace knowing she walks with the Lord!

Visitation will begin on Sunday, October 06, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 07, 2013 at Trevino Funeral Home, 226 Cupples Rd. A funeral procession will depart the funeral home Tuesday, October 08, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. for a 10:00 am mass of resurrection at St. Henry Catholic Church, 1619 S. Flores, with interment to follow in San Fernando Cemetery II.