Helen Marie Aguirre

Helen Marie Aguirre was born in East Los Angeles on a historically cold Thursday, December 30th, 1926 — but she brought warmth and light into the world from the very start. She was the oldest child, and the last living member of Martha and Raymond Figueroa’s family. Not long after her birth, the family moved to Orange, California, where Helen grew up surrounded by love and responsibility.

As the eldest of nine, Helen quickly became her mother’s right hand — helping to raise her eight siblings with care, patience, and that signature sparkle in her eye. She was a big sister in every sense: loving, guiding, and always involved.

After finishing school, fate introduced her to the love of her life, Ignacio Aguirre, at the packing house in Orange. It was truly love at first sight. The two married soon after, and in November 1946, welcomed their first son, Ignacio Jr. Together, they built their forever home on Norwood Street in the El Modena neighborhood, where they raised their seven wonderful children: Ignacio, Joseph, Linda, John, Christine, Susan, and Eleanor.

Once her children were all in school, Helen began working at St. Joseph’s Hospital. What started as a housekeeping job grew into a fulfilling career; she worked her way up to become a Medical Records Clerk, proudly retiring after more than 30 dedicated years of service.

Helen loved music, especially Frank Sinatra. You could often find her swaying to “Fly Me to the Moon,” her favorite tune. She also loved her Korean dramas, her nightly Family Feud, and trips to Las Vegas, where she and her loved ones played poker into the wee hours. Win or lose, what mattered most was being together.

And oh, the food! Helen’s ground beef and potato tacos were legendary, and her cherry cheesecake cupcakes? Unforgettable. Her weekends were often spent exploring garage sales, shopping the swap meet or Goodwill, and dining at her favorite spot, Avila’s Mexican Restaurant.

Helen and her beloved Ignacio shared a beautiful, full life surrounded by family. Together, they became proud grandparents to 22 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren... a living legacy of love. Helen’s story is one of devotion, laughter, and music, a melody that will continue to play in the hearts of everyone who loved her.

A visitation will be held on October 24, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Son Light Christian Center, located at 172 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866.

The committal service will take place at Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary, 1702 Fairhaven Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm on the same day.