Helen F. Ortiz

Helen F. Ortiz, born July 20, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly on September 2, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Helen lived a life shaped by faith, family, devotion, and a quiet strength that stayed with her through every season. Before marrying her beloved husband, Jose Medardo Ortiz, she was a nun, a chapter of her life that reflected the depth of her spirit and her commitment to service. She later built a career centered on care and learning, teaching in Chicago, Illinois, and in Carrizozo, New Mexico. She also served as secretary at San Isidro / San Jose Catholic Church for Father Frank Pretto, offering her time and dedication to a community that mattered deeply to her.

Education remained an important part of Helen’s story. She received her bachelor’s degree from Marywood College in Scranton, Pennsylvania, an achievement that supported her life’s work as an educator and servant to others.

Those who knew Helen will remember a woman who was very loving and patient, and who found her greatest joy in the people closest to her. She enjoyed her time with her family and was especially involved with her grandchildren, taking delight in being present for them and sharing in the rhythm of family life. Taking care of her family was important to her, and among her proudest accomplishments were her children and grandchildren, along with the independence she valued and maintained throughout her life.

Helen had a lively and memorable presence. She loved being in the water, whether in a pool or the ocean, and every summer she looked forward to vacations, especially to places where she could swim. She also loved taking her children on vacation each summer, creating traditions and memories that stayed with them. She enjoyed walking her dog, Ginger, and in later years she liked to play word games. She loved watching sports and playing card games with all her family. Though she did not like to cook, she loved to bake, and during the holidays she made countless cookies. Her biscochitos were especially cherished and became one of the many ways she expressed love to those around her.

Helen is survived by her sons, John Ortiz and wife Veronica, Michael Ortiz, and Paul Ortiz, by her grandchildren, Monique Ortiz, John Ortiz, Jr. and his wife Amanda Ortiz, Joseph Ortiz and his wife Emma Berlin-Ortiz, Melanie Ortiz, Jeremiah Ortiz, Charlie Ortiz, Mason Ortiz, Alexandria Rivas, Gabriella Rivas, and Jesus (Chuey) Rivas; by her great-grandchildren, Alyvia Ortiz, Jenika Ortiz, Jonah Ortiz, Serenity Galindo, Isaac Galindo, Genesis Galindo, Izzabella Garcia, and Tillyanna Archuleta; and by her sister-in-law, Stella Ortiz. The family she leaves behind carries forward the love, traditions, and closeness that meant so much to her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jose Medardo Ortiz; her sister Virginia Miller (Ray Miller); her sister Madeleine Jennings (Edward Jennings); her brother Humbert Sweeney (Eleanor Sweeney) ; her brothers- and sisters-in-law Perciliano (Valentina Ortiz), Jose Willifredo (Florinda Ortiz), Eurcinia (Marcos C'De Baca), Donelia (Benjamin Roybal), Julian (Frances Ortiz), Frank (Mary Ortiz), Reyes (Gilbert Sena), Reynaldo Ortiz, Mary (Jerry Aranda), and Rosina (Gene Clayton).

Helen F. Ortiz will be remembered for her patience, her independence, her deep love for family, and the warmth she brought to everyday life—through summer trips, card games, word games, sports, and the sweet comfort of holiday baking. Her life was one of care, constancy, and love, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.

Services are pending at this time.