Helen Hidalgo Domingo

Helen was preceded in passing by her beloved husband, Bayani. She is survived by her children: Lynette Fandiño (Samuel), Michele Carrico Domingo (Minh), and Leonard Domingo. Helen leaves behind her grandchildren, Adriana, Samantha, and Mihio. Her siblings are Nene Nucum, Delia Rayos, Dr. Erlin Hidalgo, Zeta Sheikh, Dr. Nelson Hidalgo, and Dr. Cesar Hidalgo. She is also survived by over twenty nieces and nephews in the U.S. and the Philippines.

Helen was born on July 5, 1935, in Guinobatan, Albay, in the Bicol region of the Philippines. Her parents were Simeon Hidalgo, a public school supervisor, and Constancia Diaz Hidalgo, who started as a teacher. Constancia later became a lawyer and businesswoman. Helen was the fourth of ten children—Nene, Sime, Delia, Erlin, Zeta, Maria Eva, Alma, Nelson, and Cesar. She was affectionately called “Baby Helen.”

Education was important to Helen early in life, as both Simeon and Constancia were educators. In 1957, she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from the University of the Philippines - Diliman, where she was also an active member of the University of the Philippines Student Catholic Action. Afterwards, Helen was motivated to get a law degree and attended the Manuel L. Quezon University, School of Law, in Quezon City, Philippines. She finished her law education while working a full-time job. She graduated with an LLB (Bachelor of Laws), the current equivalent of the JD (Juris Doctor).

Helen was about to practice law when she received a green card to move to the United States. She settled in San Francisco, where she earned her Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Golden Gate University. During this time, while living in a Filipino women’s boarding house in Oakland, she met Bayani as he was delivering gifts he’d brought back from the Philippines to the boarding house. They quickly connected and began dating.

Bayani and Helen married on January 3, 1970, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. They soon settled in California. Helen worked at Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company and helped start the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in the Bay Area. That November, their first child, Lynette, was born in Berkeley. Seeking to be closer to family, they moved to Michigan. Their second daughter, Michele, was born in Detroit two years later. Their son Leonard arrived two years after that.

After moving to Michigan, Helen worked at Michigan Bell as a Management Order Specialist for over 30 years. To further develop her skills, she also completed the Dale Carnegie Course focusing on effective speaking and human relations. In retirement, Helen still remained active. She attended mass every day, regularly visited the library where she’d borrow movies, and continued to read and learn. When her granddaughters Adriana and Samantha were born in 2007, she went daily to Lynette and Sam’s house to care for them.

Helen was a devoted Catholic who cared deeply about her faith and community. She spent many years at St. Owen’s Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, singing in the choir. With her husband, Bayani, she was active in Bukas Loob sa Diyos Detroit, a Filipino Catholic charismatic group, and participated in Marriage Encounter, Life in the Spirit Seminars, and Marriage & Life Apostolates. Her faith remained vital; she attended church often and, even when unable to walk, tried to stand and kneel during services.

Helen served as the President of both the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in Berkeley, California, and the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Michigan (UPAAM), where she remained active in its programs and projects, including the Outstanding Youth of Michigan. She served as the UPAAM President from 2007 to 2009. Beyond UPAAM, Helen joined the Bicol Association of Michigan and participated in events for the Philippine American Community Center of Michigan (PACCM) and the Filipino American Community Council of Michigan (FILAMCCO).

Helen was known for her kindness and selflessness. While working full-time, she thoughtfully prepared Filipino meals daily and ensured her three children stayed focused on their studies, piano, and maintaining good grades. She warmly welcomed guests by asking, “Have you eaten yet?” Helen’s hospitality extended to her love of dancing with Bayani at parties and dressing up for Filipino dances and events. Music brought her joy; she frequently sang, played the piano, and was a valued member of the community choir started by the Philippine Medical Association of Michigan.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation at Harry J. Will Funeral Home in Livonia on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A rosary prayer and remembrances will be held at 6:30 pm.

Helen will lie in state on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:00 to 10:30 am at St. Edith Catholic Church, 15089 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154. The Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 am. She will be laid to rest with her late husband, Bayani, at Glen Eden Memorial Park after the mass.

Thank you for keeping the Domingo family in your thoughts and prayers.