Helen (Griego) Ortiz Passed early Friday, May 28th, in Santa Fe New Mexico after a courageous struggle with Pancreatic Cancer. In the days past, she had her family at her side. Seventy-one years of age and long time resident of Santa Fe. She was a wonderful mother, wife, sister and friend. There was a delightful, friendly kindness about her that touched all the people she met. She spent most of the last fifty years in Santa Fe having and nurturing her family and running her businesses. Helen was a real estate broker, rental property owner and manager, and land developer in business with her husband. Prior to that, she owned a women's clothing store in the De Vargas Mall for several years. She received her Bachelor's degree from the College of Santa Fe in education and a minor in business. She loved to travel and was able to visit Jerusalem, Greece, Italy, Spain, Austria, Costa Rica and the Caribbean. She was elegant, gracious, compassionate, witty and an optimist. She had a great zest for life, was strong in her faith and spirit and was a member of the St Francis Cathedral Altar Society. She is survived by her husband, Gilbert; her sister, Jodi Baugh; her children, Renee Edwards and husband Mark Edwards, Lisa Ortiz, "Jr" Gilbert Ortiz Jr. and his wife Sally Catano, Joe Ortiz and his wife Beverly Chapman; her granddaughter, Margaux Ortiz; and her step granddaughter; Kristi Gurule. She truly loved her cousins, aunts and uncles that she visited around the state. She gave us encouragement, love, inspiration and her heart. Helen was so pleasant to be around and will be greatly missed by the family and friends. Remember, "You take the love with you." Serving as pallbearers will be: Alex Griego, Kenneth Ortiz, Mark Aragon, Steven Baugh, Mark Edwards and Arron Lopez. Visitation and Rosary were recited Tuesday, evening at McGee Memorial Chapel. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 2, 2010, 9:30 a.m. at St. Francis Cathedral. Interment will follow at Rosario Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505)984-8600

Published in Santa Fe New Mexican on June 2, 2010