Helen Irene Lopez

Helen Irene Lopez, 62, of San Antonio, Texas, returned to her heavenly home on April 29, 2016 in Christus Santa Rosa Hospital-Westover Hills, after a valiant battle with an illness. Her devotion to her family, and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace. Born the last of nine children in San Antonio, Texas on December 25, 1953 to the late Edward J. and Herminia T. Cruz, Helen worked many years in the banking and mortgage industry before leaving the workforce to care for her mother. Helen graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1972 and attended Business College. Helen was the nurturer in the family. She spent most of her life caring for others including her mother, in-laws and brother. Having raised no children of her own, Helen cared for more than a dozen children of family and friends throughout her life. No sacrifice was too great for her. When her great-niece was born in Oregon, Helen moved there for several months to help out. Helen loved to sing, was active in her church choir, and was also a Eucharistic minister at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church before she became ill. Known as "Aunt Helen" by everyone she welcomed in her home, she was always cheerful and happy to receive visitors. She loved to cook for her guests and was famous for her desserts. Aunt Helen cherished family get togethers, and when you visited, you never left empty handed. Aunt Helen sent everyone home with food or something she bought for you while she was shopping and 'thought of you'. Aunt Helen loved to travel and visited family and friends all over the country. She especially loved traveling to San Francisco, CA, Santa Fe, NM, and Laughlin, NV. Aunt Helen was especially close to her sister Mary Gloria and Mary Gloria's four children who revered her as a second mother. Mary Gloria's three grandchildren also cherished Aunt Helen as a second grandmother. Aunt Helen was always willing to help anyone in need. It did not matter the time of day or night, if you needed something, Aunt Helen was there. Helen is preceded in death by her mother and father, brother George Cruz, sister Ann Rose Ovalle, and half-sisters Janie Bailon, Mary Louise Garza, Annie Doktor, and Benita Garcia. Helen is survived by her husband of 30 years, Elias Lopez Jr., brothers Edward Cruz (Chris); Louis Cruz (Barbara); Reymundo Cruz (Lucy); sisters Minerva Reyna (Sam); Betsy Osejo, and Mary Gloria Flores, eighteen nieces, fourteen nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. Helen will be dearly missed by her loved ones who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her creator. She may no longer be here with us, but she will never be forgotten. Visitation will be held at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church, 1147 Cupples Road, San Antonio, Texas 78226 at 2:00 pm followed by a rosary at 3:00 pm and mass at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John Berchmans Catholic Church or the Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter.