Helen Ann Esbeck

Helen Ann Roberts Esbeck, age 80, passed away on September 13, 2025, in Scripps Memorial Hospital, San Diego, CA, after a brief illness. She was born in Houston, Texas, on February 21, 1945. A proud fifth generation Houstonian hailing from a family history who were in various aspects of the oil business, Helen never forgot to mention she still had her Texas passport. Helen lived a life filled with love, curiosity, and adventure. She attended Stephen F. Austin High School and Texas Christian University where she majored in education and writing. On April 21st, 1973, she joyfully married the love of her life, David William Esbeck of Elk Horn, Iowa at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX.

In high school, she enjoyed participating in the Scottish Brigade drill team where she made the varsity team as a freshman and was the associated editor of Corral, the high school yearbook. In college she joined Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She began her career as a teacher at Clear Creek Middle School in League City, TX where she taught English, French, and Art, including the children of the seven original NASA astronauts. In 1973, she taught fourth and fifth grade at Sugarland, TX. Upon retiring from teaching, she devoted herself to raising her two children, while remaining deeply involved in education through the PTA and by leading a beloved art history program for students. She also gave her time and talents to Alpha Gamma Delta’s International Council, where she poured her heart into supporting others.

Helen was a world class traveler and adventurer who adored traveling all through Asia and Europe. She especially loved writing about her travels, savoring the beauty of new cultures, and sharing those joys with family and friends. Her travel writing included publications for Singapore Airline’s SilverKris and Conde Nast.

She moved from Houston, TX to Clifton Park, NY in 1974 and then to San Diego, CA in 1983 with a brief stint in Singapore 1988-1992.

Helen was predeceased by her parents Tom and Ann Roberts and her Uncle Bill and Aunt Jerry Roberts. Survivors are David Esbeck, husband of San Diego; Tom Esbeck, son and wife Andrea of Carlsbad, CA; and Kristin Esbeck and husband Neil McNab of Highland, MD. Grandchildren are Haley Ann, Ashlyn Rose, and Connor William Esbeck of Carlsbad.

Helen adored spending time with her grandchildren, often laughing and competing over card or dice games and word searches. Her gentle spirit, wisdom, and unwavering love will be deeply missed, yet forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew her. Services will be at El Camino Memorial located at 5600 Carroll Canyon Road San Diego, CA 92121 on Wednesday, September 17th at 8 – 09:30 am viewing and funeral service in the Chapel at 9:30 am with graveside ceremony to follow. Helen’s online obituary may be found at the following link: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/california/san-diego/el-camino-memorial-sorrento-valley/9555. In addition to inviting you to join her at this service, a Celebration of Life will occur in October 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen’s honor to the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation online at https://alphagammadeltafoundation.org/donate/ or mailed to 8710 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46260.

Helen’s life was a gift to all who had the blessing of knowing her. May her memory continue to inspire love, adventure, and joy in those she leaves behind.