Helen (Valdez) Mascarenas

Helen (Valdez) Mascarenas, 73, passed away peacefully at home with her loving husband by her side. She spent the last seven years living with the challenges of Alzheimers, declining rapidly over the last few months.

She was born in Del Norte, Colorado, to Mike and Mary Valdez, and was one of seven children. She married the love of her life, Roger Mascarenas in 1958. She was employed by the federal government in various capacities at IRS, and retired from Hill AFB in 1993. She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and lived a faithful life. She and Roger were Godparents in Baptism to several nieces and nephews, and grandchildren. She was very proud to serve in that position of honor. Helen enjoyed gardening, traveling, caring for her family, and feeding birds in her yard. She was petite in stature, but had the spirit of a warrior. She had a tender heart and was generous and compassionate. She loved family events, especially weddings where she and Roger would dance the night away. She was impeccably groomed and well dressed at all times. She enjoyed beautiful things, but lived a simple and uncomplicated life. She valued community and was a good neighbor.

She is survived by her husband, daughters, Rita (Evan) Stevens, Monica Peterson; son, Ken Mascarenas; brothers: Ed (Josephine) Valdez, Bob (Michelle) Valdez, Mel Valdez of Monte Vista, Colorado; one sister Anna Valdez-Willie (Ron); grandchildren: Brooke, Dustin, Veronica, Dakota, Jayden, Austin, Carson, Brayden, Cody; and eight great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and one new grandchild due in July. She was preceded in death by two grandsons, Landon Stevens and Preston Mascarenas, her parents, and brothers Ross and Mike.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 210 Chapel St., Layton, UT on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 10 a.m. Prior to services, a visitation will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd.

Interment, Lindquist''s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd., Ogden, UT.

Don''t cry at my grave cause I won''t be there. I''ll be in the breeze that ruffles your hair. I''ll be in the sunshine, I''ll be in the snow. I''ll be in the places we used to go. I''ll be in your laughter and in funny things. I''ll be in your shadow and there in your dreams. I''ll be in your greetings but not your goodbyes. I''ll be in your reflection of your loving eyes. I''ll always be with you and I''ll always care. So don''t cry at my grave cause I won''t be there. -Author Unknown

The family would like to thank Legacy Hospice for their compassionate care over the years, especially Anna, Jody, Marie, and Stephanie.