Elena "Helen" Salinas Davila

Elena Salinas "Helen" Davila was born on February 11, 1948, in Dallas, Texas, and passed away unexpectedly on November 5, 2025. She spent her entire life in the Dallas area, a city she loved deeply and proudly called home.

Helen graduated from North Dallas High School in 1967. During her school years, she was a talented dancer and performed with Martinez's original Ballet Folklorico, where her grace and energy brought joy to every performance. At the age of fifteen, she celebrated a beautiful quinceañera at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in downtown Dallas. It was a moment that reflected both her family's love and her deep Catholic faith.

In her early twenties, Helen survived two serious car accidents in which the cars she was riding in rolled over. Though she came close to death, she always believed God had spared her for a greater purpose. She lived her life with gratitude and an awareness that each day was a blessing.

Helen met the love of her life, Ernest Davila, and together they shared a joyful marriage built on love, laughter, and faith. Though they faced heartbreak through many miscarriages, Helen's desire to be a mother never wavered. She always said that you don't have to give birth to love a child. When Samantha came into their lives as an infant, Helen and Ernest fell in love with her instantly. Their bond was deep and true. Helen also helped family members adopt Samantha's biological siblings so that Samantha could grow up surrounded by family.

In November of 1994, when Samantha was just eight years old, Ernest passed away suddenly. It was a time of deep sorrow, but Helen's strength and faith carried her through. She became both mother and father to Samantha, managing her own grief while gently guiding her daughter through hers. Her love and devotion never faltered.

Helen was a woman of great independence and determination. She worked for many years as a secretary at Halliburton and later became a paralegal, a career she took great pride in. She retired in January of 2025 after decades of dedication and hard work. She also followed her creative passion, earning an associate's degree in Commercial Interior Design from El Centro College. Her home reflected her talent-it was warm, stylish, and full of life.

Helen was an excellent cook who believed in nourishing both body and soul. She made sure Samantha and her friends always had a good meal and felt welcome at her table. She loved family gatherings and was known for her kindness, laughter, and love of people. Holidays were particularly special to her, especially Halloween and Christmas, which she celebrated with childlike joy and enthusiasm.

Her favorite role in life was being "Nana." She cherished Samantha's two children and extended her Nana love to all of Samantha's friends' children as well. To everyone who knew her, she was a source of warmth and comfort. Her compassion and gentle spirit reminded many of Saint Teresa-a woman who loved deeply, served humbly, and lived her faith daily.

Helen's guilty pleasures were simple-Babe's Chicken and an ice-cold Coke. She lived a full and beautiful life surrounded by the people she loved most.

She now joins in heaven her beloved husband Ernest and her parents Servando and Elvira Salinas. She leaves behind her devoted daughter Samantha and her two treasured grandchildren ____________, along with countless family members and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Helen's life reflected the words of Proverbs 31:25-26:"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

Helen will be loved and missed everyday but her legacy will continue on through Samantha and her children and all who loved her.