Helen Maldonado (1927-2025)

Maria Elena (Helen) Paz Maldonado, 97 of Tucson, AZ passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Born May 15, 1927 in San Ignacio, Mexico, daughter to Guadalupe and Antonio Paz, Helen lived a full and vibrant life marked by love, family, and a deep connection to those around her. She is preceded in death by her husband Jesus Maldonado, with whom she shared an enduring love story having been married for more than 70 years. Their marriage served as an inspiration to all who knew them, a testament to commitment, devotion, and unwavering companionship.

Serving as a constant source of support and encouragement, Helen was a devoted mother to her four children, and she found immense joy in watching her family grow and flourish. Helen will be remembered for her warm smile, infectious laughter, kind heart, and strong spirit. In addition to her family, she loved to spend her time cooking, gardening, dancing and taking care of her two dogs.

Helen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Margo and C.J. McCarter of Hayward, CA; her son and daughter-in-law Rene and Cathy Maldonado of Tucson, and her son and daughter-in-law Ron and Karen Maldonado of Window Rock, AZ; and son and his partner Michael Maldonado and Erika Robles of Tucson, AZ. She is also survived by her grandchildren, grandson and granddaughter-in-law Nicholas Valenzuela and Jamie Staugler of Brooklyn, NY; granddaughter Dionne Maldonado of Window Rock, AZ; granddaughter Catherine Maldonado of Medford, MA; grandson Dylan Maldonado of Tucson, AZ; granddaughter and grandson-in-law Alyssa and Robert Mansuetti of Phoenix, AZ; great grandsons Trevor Foster and Shane Fabina.

A viewing will be held at Carillo's Mortuary (204 S Stone Ave) on Saturday January 25th from 8AM - 10:30AM with a prayer of the rosary scheduled at 9:30AM.
A memorial service will follow at Santa Cruz Catholic Church (1220 S 6th Ave) at
11 AM., and reception at Knights of Columbus (KayCee Event Center, 601 S Tucson Blvd) 12:30-4:30PM.