Mary Helen Maestas

Mary Helen Maestas, 89, a resident of Santa Fe, passed away peacefully in her home on August 23, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Helen was born on November 23,1934 in Santa Fe, New Mexico to Frank and Rita Padilla. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Margarito; her parents, Frank and Rita; siblings, Solomon, Frank Jr., Valentine, Cecilia, and Eliza. She was 1 of 9 children.

 On April 16, 1955, Helen married her husband, Maragrito G. Maestas and went on to have three daughters, Rita Bowles (Johnny), Merecedes Maestas (Gary), Theresa Romero (Donald).

Helen worked as a waitress/hostess for over 35 years at Maria’s Mexican Kitchen. As a dedicated employee, she earned herself a special margarita named after her; The “Helen Maestas Margarita”.

After retiring, Helen spent her time enjoying family, gardening, cooking and helping those in need.

She especially loved teaching her grandkids her famous chile and biscochito recipes. 

Helen was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles (F.O.E.) and a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

 She is survived by her three daughters, seven grandchildren, Joshua (Tamara), Dominic (Marla), Johnny (BriAnna), Michael (Alexus), Vanessa (Alfonso), Crystal (Isaic), and Bridget. 

13 great-grandchildren, Jeremiah, Elijah, Frankie, Aiden, Isaic, Canaan, Milliano, Maddox, Ezariah, Amaya, Mila, Angelina, and Marilena; three brothers, Alfonso, Roger (Cecilia), Gilbert (Consuelo).

As well as many nieces, nephews and family. Public visitation and viewing will be on Wednesday September 11, 2024 at Santa Fe Funerals & Cremations located at 1091 A Siler Road, in Santa Fe beginning at 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m.

Recitation of the rosary will be on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 10:00a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Santa Fe, Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00a.m. Graveside services will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:00p.m.

A reception will take place immediately following the graveside service at the Fraternal Order of Eagles. 

Serving as pallbearers will be, Bridget Martinez, Vanessa Villanueva, Joshua Romero, Dominic Romero, Johnny Bowles, and Michael Bowles. Honorary Pallbearers are all 13 Great-Grandchildren and Helen’s Godson, Tony Maestas. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Red Willow Hospice-Compassionate End-of-Life Care.

 The family would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to the family and friends who assisted in the care of Helen and supported them over the past

few years. We express our appreciation for the amazing care and support provided by Red Willow

Hospice.