Helen Cardenas, born Maria Helena Herrera on June 27, 1929, in Maxwell, NM, peacefully passed from this life at the age of 94 on October 25, 2023, in Raton, NM. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Candido Sr. and Celia Herrera; her siblings Candido Jr. (Rachel) Herrera, Lucy (Dan) Andrade, Anne (Phil) Andrade, Miguel “Gene” (Viola) Herrera, David Herrera, and Emilio Herrera, Ofelia, Leonor, Leandro, and Dolores Herrera; by her husband Frank A. Cardenas, and by her children Frank L., Christopher “Ray”, John Cardenas and Vivian “Louisa” Romero.
Helen graduated from Maxwell High School and married on June 23, 1951. She was steadfast in her faith, hard-working, and dedicated to her family. She worked side-by-side with her husband and eldest children in operating Frank’s Grocery in Cimarron, NM. Following the closure of the grocery store, she worked in various hospitality and retail businesses throughout Colfax County to supplement the financial support of the family. Early in life, Helen lost her hearing. She then communicated by reading lips. Later, her hearing was restored through Cochlear implants and she shed tears of joy at hearing her youngest son’s and grandchildren’s voices for the first time. She was known as a talented cook, baker, and caregiver. She generously opened her home to many preparing large, delicious meals and sharing the best home-made bread and desserts. She cared for her mother in her final years and for her husband through his terminal illness. She was a modest woman, who was not captured in many photos as she would shy away from cameras and cover her smile. Only those closest to her were privileged enough to hear her warm laugh and chuckles.
Helen is survived by her sister Eloisa Maes and sister-in-law Aurora Herrera, her children Joseph “Jim” Cardenas, Kathryn “Meg” Cardenas, David Cardenas, Marie Sedillo, Michael Cardenas, and wife Mary Lou, and by her daughter and caregiver Barbara Cardenas-Trujillo; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Helen never remarried; and now after more than 27 years, she will return to her husband, Frank. Catholic mass will take place on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church 440 W. 18th St. Cimarron, NM 87714. Interment will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery in Cimarron, NM. A family gathering to celebrate her life will be held at the Sister Hildegard Smith Parish Hall 150 11th St, Cimarron, NM 87714.
