Heliodora M. Machuca Lamas

Heliodora M. Lamas was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed her to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, she possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. She had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and she was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Heliodora always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Heliodora was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Heliodora was born on September 19, 1943 at with a Mid Wife in Mexico in San Jose de Gracia Nayarit, Mexico. Her parents were Celso and Heleodora Machuca. Heliodora was raised in San Jose de Gracia Nayarit, Mexico. Always able to express herself well, Heliodora possessed strong interpersonal skills. She was optimistic in her outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in her communication. Armed with a great wit, Heliodora was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Heliodora was able to relate well with others. Her occasional role as family mediator gave her the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Heliodora was raised with one sibling. She had a twin sister, Mercedes. Heliodora had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Heliodora showed her creative ability in many ways. She was outgoing and animated. Heliodora enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. She was a troublemaker. In her spare time she liked to climb up trees.

Friends and acquaintances found Heliodora an easy woman to get to know, and those close to her would often praise her open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Heliodora was uncomplicated and straightforward in her relationships, which allowed her to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of her best friends were her sister Mercedes and Tita Garcia. Later in life, she became friends with Adela Chaidez.

On June 1, 1963 Heliodora exchanged wedding vows with Benjamin Lamas at the Iglesia Senor San Jose de Gracia of San Jose de Gracia Nayarit, Mexico. Heliodora was attentive to Benjamin's feelings, and she charmed Benjamin and others with her gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Heliodora was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

Very much like a kid herself, Heliodora identified with the inquisitive and creative side of her children’s personalities. She was able to direct her energy and spontaneity towards helping her children acquire added common sense skills. Heliodora was blessed with six children, five sons: Beto, Jose, Samuel, Mario and Gerardo and one daughter, Aide. They were also blessed with fourteen grandchildren, Ivette, Beto, Jr. David, Rocio, Yaritza, Angie, Sammy, Jr. Samantha, Mario Jr, Jasmine, Monico Jr., Savannah, Desiree and Gerardo Jr.

Heliodora was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around her. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Heliodora’s strengths included being able to think on her feet. She could be a leader who sought impact for her decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Heliodora was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. She was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Heliodora could multi-task, and she was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing her to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in her work environment. Her primary occupation was a Home Maker. She was employed for taking care of her grandkids.

Heliodora enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. She had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that she did. She put this creativity toward all of her pastimes. Her favorite pursuits were Gambling and Bingo. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Heliodora was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list was Boxing.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Heliodora truly enjoyed. She preferred to seek out excitement wherever she went and she was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” She was willing to leave her plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Her favorite vacation included Puerto Penasco, Mexico.

Heliodora was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Heliodora’s favorites was Shadow, a toy poodle dog. They were best friends for 1 year. After Shadow was given away, her family was rounded out by her second dog Estrella.

Heliodora passed away on June 10, 2010 at St. Rose de Lima Hospital in Henderson, Nevada. She fought a brave battle against pneumonia. She is survived by her husband Benjamin, her children-Beto, Jose, Samuel, Mario, Aide and Gerardo; her grandchildren-Ivette, Beto Jr., David, Rocio, Yaritza, Angelica, Samuel Jr., Samantha, Mario Jr., Jasmine, Monico Jr., Savannah, Desiree and Gerardo Jr. Services were held at St. Bridget Catholic Church and Palm Mortuary. Heliodora was laid to rest in Palm Downtown Cemetery, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Heliodora was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, she relied on her senses to increase her involvement and awareness of others. She was always able to provide amusing repartee to her friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Heliodora had a theme song written about her, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” She enjoyed her life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Heliodora M. Lamas.