Esmeralda Elizabeth Helton

pancreatic cancer. She was born on June 9, 1979, in San Jose, California, to Teresa Bocanegra and Marco Librero.

Esmeralda will be laid to rest alongside her beloved late husband, Albert Ramirez, with whom she shared five wonderful and deeply romantic years. Both were baptized within the Jehovah’s Witnesses Church.

Esmeralda was devoted above all else to her daughters, Sabine and Freja, and to her animals— especially her cherished companion, Rufus. She was known for her infectious laughter, sharp

sense of humor, tireless work ethic, and unwavering kindness that touched everyone who knew her.

After graduating from Edison High School, Esmeralda pursued her passion for animal care as a veterinary assistant. She later earned her certification from Carrington College and went on to

build a respected career as a surgical technician at Methodist Heart & Transplant Hospital, where she worked for ten years and was valued as both a colleague and a friend.

Creativity was woven into nearly every part of Esmeralda’s life. She loved writing books, drawing, designing women’s nail art, creating custom surgical caps for herself and fellow nurses, and experimenting with cooking and new foods.

Throughout her year-long illness, Esmeralda demonstrated remarkable bravery and resilience, inspiring those around her with her positive spirit and strength.

She is survived by her daughters, Sabine and Freja Helton; her sisters, Tanya Ford and Daniella Librero-Castillo; her mother, Teresa Bocanegra; stepfather, Ruben Bocanegra; father, Marco

Librero; stepmother, Charlene Shaughnessy-Librero; as well as her aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

A viewing will be held on February 3, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a service at 7:00PM, at Roy Akers Funeral Home (Funeraria del Angel Roy Akers), located at 515 N. Main Ave.,

San Antonio, Texas. The ceremony will be live-streamed. A Facebook URL will be provided. On February 4, 2026, family and friends will gather at Roy Akers Funeral Home at 8:00 AM,

with the funeral procession departing at 9:45 AM to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.