Helen L. Ascencio

A proud California native, she was born to Leopoldo and Gertrude Lopez in La Verne. She later moved to her beloved Santa Clara, which she called home for almost 60 years.

Tenacious, determined and fiercely independent are just a few words that sum up the powerhouse she was. But she was most commonly known for her loving heart and generosity.

No obstacle was too big for her to overcome—including earning her Bachelor of Arts from San Jose State University at age 65. A strong advocate for higher learning, her motto was, “no one can take away your education.”

In her younger years, you could find her dancing at The Tropicana in Sunnyvale and enjoying the serenades of Mariachi music—specifically, Vincente Fernandez.

She was an avid gardener and animal lover. There was nothing that made her happier than a plant that needed some TLC or a cat that needed to be rescued. A magician in the kitchen, she could whip up something before your eyes that was just as magical. The secret ingredient was always love.

Throughout her career she was a social worker and florist, both passions of hers. She worked at Loaves & Fishes in San Jose helping the less fortunate and making sure they were clothed and fed. Later she was the smiling face behind the flowers at Safeway, always happy to put the perfect bouquet together for any occasion.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Ezequiel E. Ascencio, her siblings: Toby, Jenny, Phyllis and Esther, and her daughter Christine. May she find peace with her loved ones.

She will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Ezequiel (Michelle) Ascencio of Tracy, CA and Jack (Sandy) Ascencio of Sunnyvale, CA; her grandchildren, Valerie Ascencio of San Jose, CA, Tanya (Tom) Murdy of Newburyport, MA, Robert Ascencio of Manteca, CA, Hector Galarza Jr of El Centro, Ezequiel (Sandra) Galarza of Imperial, CA, Sara Ascencio of Santa Clara, CA, Sinecio (Yvonne) Galarza of Katy, TX, Jake Ascencio of Osaka, Japan, Jimmy Ascencio of Manteca, CA; 13 great grandchildren: Delaina (31), Devina (24), Miguel (20), Mia Danielle (14), Seriah (13), Allyssa Jade (12), Lailah Rose (7), Jackson Thomas (6), Bronson Kai (3), Saira Mericia(2), Savannah (1), Amaya James (1), Laniah (11 months); 3 great great grandchildren: Gilbert (13), AJ (4), Abel (2).

The legacy she leaves behind is like the garden she originally planted—reaping what she sowed with continual growth and love. She will be missed by all. May her memory live on forever in our hearts and she be blessed with eternal life.

A graveside service will be held on July 31, 2020 at 11am at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln St, Santa Clara, CA.

In lieu of flowers, you can honor her memory by donating to Loaves & Fishes. Please contact [email protected] to donate in her name. Much gratitude.