Helen Maldonado

Angelita "Helen" Servin Maldonado

Mom passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2022. She was born to Refugia Lopez and Nieves Servin, Sr., on June 1, 1930, in Dallas, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Thomas Maldonado, Sr., to whom she was married for 57 years, daughters Grace Maldonado (1959) and Elvia Reeves (2021) and grandson Joseph Rodriguez, Jr. (2010). She was a spark in the middle of nine siblings and she was loved and respected by all, including innumerable nieces and nephews and cousins, most of whom can be found in Dallas.

She attended Cumberland School in Dallas and worked in food services at several DISD schools. She was a devoted wife and mother. And she loved her dog Nathan, as much as anyone could love a pet. She was a proud and dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Mom was an embodiment of love, care and compassion, raising 7 children in an environment based in love but with boundaries of appropriate discipline. She played an outsized and indelible role, as well, in the lives of multiple generations of Maldonados, including grandchildren (19), great-grandchildren (37) and great-great-grandchildren (10).

Mom was well-known for her expert cooking skills. Her tamales, tortillas, hot sauce and other culinary creations have been enjoyed for decades by hundreds, if not thousands, of people in the Dallas and Texas area. She was also fond of gardening. You could find flourishes of roses at her house in yellow and red, her two preferred colors.

Her favorite role, however, was as the official babysitter and caregiver for every one of her great-grandchildren and many of the great-great-grandchildren. She performed those "duties" for almost 60 years. Her love, care and inspiration played giant roles in each of their lives and as a group they continue to model the values and traits she instilled in each of them. To say she was proud of every one of them is a massive understatement.

The Thomas and Helen Maldonado Family Cup of Distinction was created in 1995, to honor the achievements made by Mom and Dad's descendants. The family awards the "Trophy" annually to grandchildren or younger descendants who have distinguished themselves the most in the previous year.

Mom is survived by her children: Carmen (Joe) Rodriguez, Janie (Gene) Vivero, Helen Maldonado (Albert) Valtierra, Thomas (Susie) Maldonado, Reuben Maldonado and David (Maryanne) Maldonado. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Mark (Tammy) Rodriguez, Sophia (Mike) Pellegrini, Gena (John) Egelston, Amy (Luis) Barrera, Christopher (Rose) Vivero, Cynthia (Josh) Bauman, Reinaldo (Jennifer) Orta, Jr., Bart (Farrah) Maldonado, Adrienne Maldonado, Phillip Maldonado, Samantha (Geraldo) Medrano, Tracey (Augustin) Ocampo, Meredith (Michael) Vela, Kristi (Joel Lopez) Maldonado, Stephanie (Jerry) Garcia, Natalie (Robert Aguirre) Maldonado, John (Katy) Maldonado and Annelise Maldonado. The great and great-great grandchildren survive Mom, as well.

God's and our "Little Angel" has joined her husband, children, parents, relatives and Nathan in Heaven. We love you, Mom.