Elena “Helen” Balderas
Elena “Helen” Balderas passed away on Sunday, February 16th, 2020 at age 83. Born in Texas to parents Adolfo and Hipolita Garza, she was one of eight children. Her family relocated to Mexico, and upon returning to Texas, Elena met Louis Balderas, Jr. Falling in love, the two married and began a family with their first born Diana, then Martha, their only son Robert and finally Mary. Helen worked as a beautician and owned “Helen’s Beauty Salon”, working there until the last days of her life. She was crazy about her family, especially her grandchildren. From vacations, movies, ball games, cooking & sharing meals, she was dedicated to her family. Her kind personality blessed her with many friends, with which she enjoyed many adventures. Alongside family she had another passion, her 5 “feathered bird-friends”. She loved caring for them and showing them off to friends and family. As a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Elena became the first female Eucharistic minister. She is preceded in death by her husband Louis, five siblings and son-in-law Tim. She is survived by her children Diana, Martha, Robert and Mary, their significant others Van, Anna, and Alicia, her adored grandchildren Jasyn, Steven, James, Ali, Michael, Julia, Hillary, Charity, and Whitney, her brothers Fernando and Johnny, and dear family members Henrietta, Darrel, Colleen, Dolores, and many others. Elena’s heart will live on in those she loved and those who loved her. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memoriam to Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The Family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 from 5-7:00PM with a Rosary at 7 o’clock at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1612 East Walker, League City, Texas 77573 with Deacon George Blanford officiating. A Mass will follow on Thursday at 10:00AM at St. Mary Catholic Church with Father Howard Drabek presiding.
Serving as pallbearers will be James Balderas, Steven Jefferies, Van Levy, Darrel Jefferies, Robert Garza, and Adolph Garza.
I loved Helen and have known her for about 18 years since Robert started doing my hair. I’m in my 50s and loved going to the salon on Thursdays when Helen would be working with her long-time clients who are around her age. Always a warm welcome and lots and lots of laughs. She always made me feel special as soon as I walked in the door, almost like one of the family and I’ve considered her a family friend for a long time. Always big hugs and kisses. Over the years Helen saw many of my son’s musicals when he performed in children’s theatre as a teenager. The fact she supported him and cheered him on has always warmed my heart. She was always genuinely interested in knowing what was happening in my family and never failed to ask about my kids and how they were doing. She was the matriarch of her family and was immensely proud of every one of her children and grandchildren. In my mind I’ll fondly remember Helen always with a big smile and wearing her bright colours and blingy shoes. She was lovely. I will miss her terribly. It’s the end of an era at the salon and it’ll never be the same again. xxxxxx
She was a special lady. Kind and caring. Love Ann and Hans Rasch
What a special lady she was: she loved her family passionately, was strong in the Catholic faith, and was quick-witted. She was a friend to me, and a kind, loving “grandmother” to my grandchildren. I will miss her presence and conversation at J Adolfo, but I know she is happy in heaven with Christ her Savior and Louis, her love!
Patrice Taylor
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Baldares family. Mrs Helen was a beautiful lady inside and out! She made anyone that came into the shop feel like a part of the family! I know she will be deeply missed!
What a blessing it has been to know and love Helen and her precious family for nearly fifty years. She was a living example of a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She always had a smile, a hug, and usually a kiss for me whenever I saw her. Her children were her pride and joy….grandchildren were the light of her life. She and Louis are dancing with the angels.
My heart aches at this sudden news; this was a beautiful person, a beautiful lady,
a 2nd mother to me. I am only consoled by the fact she has her heavenly reward and I can speak to her in prayer from now on. I love you Mrs. B and I thank you for always seeing the best in me, you made me a better version of myself. God bless you!
“Sweet Jesus Lord Most Blessed, Grant the dead Eternal Rest”.
I see where others use the phrase “a second mother to me”. She was certainly this and more for me and so many other of her kid’s friends. Mrs Balderas was the kindest, sweetest person with a heart for all….especially the underdog. She treated so many of us as her own. I had mixed feelings when I heard the news because I know how much she missed Mr Balderas. You could see it. They are now as one again and although she will be tremendously missed, she will live in through so many people. What a legacy! I love you Mrs B.
I have know Helen for over 50 years. She was a wonderful, Christian lady. She always had a smile on her face, was kind to everyone and had a love for life. She never said anything bad about anyone that I know of. She came to work for Melba who first owned the beauty shop and then she bought it from Melba when Melba retired and moved to Fort Worth when most of Helen’s children were still in school. Many fond memories of that place and of Helen. She will be greatly missed. I know I will see her again in Heaven. Terrific lady!!
When I came to League City as a young bride in 1968 Helen was one of my first friends here. I taught two of her children ( Robert and Mary) kindergarten at League City Elementary. She and Louis were very devoted and proud parents to all four of their children. I enjoyed going to the beauty shop she owned for many years. Back in those days we went every week so I had many occasions to see what a kind and loving person she was.
She will always be a special person to me.
I came to know Helen as one of our customer at Gingersnaps. She always had a beautiful smile & kind words. She will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this most difficult time. May God give you strength and peace.
Our prayers and condolences for the family. Helen is at peace now and with her true love Louis.