Elena Navarrette

A viewing for Elena "Helen" Fuentes Navarrette will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Sunday, November 24, 2024, with a rosary to immediately follow at Our Lady of Grace. A funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Monday, November 24, 2024, at Our Lady of Grace.

Helen was born on January 6, 1934, to Jesus and Manuela Fuentes in Ruidosa, TX. She passed away on November 20, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family.

Elena “Helen” was cherished and will be missed by her family and friends. She loved cooking on Sunday after mass for all of her family. She treasured many activities in Artesia, including going to Bulldog Football games, Swedish weaving at the senior center and swimming at the natatorium. She was always ready for the next adventure, including riding waterslides, river rafting, hiking to waterfalls and many other exciting family excursions. She also was involved in the San Jose Society at Our Lady of Grace. Her faith has been the backbone of her life, which made her a proud member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. 

She worked for fifteen years with the Artesia Public Schools. Any job Helen did, paid or volunteer, was done with great pride. Above all, Helen enjoyed and loved her family and enjoyed going and visiting her family and friends, especially the ones that were homebound or lonely. Her energy was infectious. She was always ready to go cheer on her grandchildren and great grandchildren at their various sporting events. She would do anything for her grandkids, and would absolutely never consider spanking them (because they could do no wrong). In addition to her own grandchildren, there were many other special children who were proud to consider her their grandma or “Gigi”.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Simon Navarrette Sr, parents Jesus and Manuela Fuentes, brother Jesus Jr, in-laws, Florentino and Julia Navarrette and other numerous in-laws.

Those left to cherish her memories are her daughters Sylvia Navarrette, Olga Fierro and husband Felix Jr, and Anna Navarrette and sons Simon Navarrette Jr. and wife Ernestina, Alfredo Navarrette and wife Melissa, Oscar Navarrette and wife Susan. Elena was blessed with grandchildren, Preston Navarrette, Jeffrey Fierro and wife Dani, Jeremy Navarrette and wife Lindsey, Ysela Plum and husband Lloyd, Nick Fierro and partner Marcel, Quintin Navarrette and partner Diamond, Michael Navarrette and wife Savannah, Ysenia Reza and husband Manuel, and Matthew Navarrette and partner Gabrielle. She was also blessed with sixteen great grandchildren whom she adored.

Elena also survived by siblings, Sally Calderon of Tularosa, NM, Dora Fierro and husband Tony, Johnny Fuentes and wife Sylvia, Vera Quintela and husband Ricky, Benny Fuentes all from Artesia, NM, Ruben Fuentes and wife Angie from Carlsbad, NM, Alice Mendoza and husband David from Tucson, AZ, and Lorina Anaya and husband Luis from Hobbs, NM. Elena also had numerous nephews and nieces.

Pallbearers are her Grandchildren, Preston Navarrette, Jeffrey Fierro, Ysela Plum, Jeremy Navarrette, Nicholas Fierro, Quintin Navarrette, Michael Navarrette, Ysenia Reza and Matthew Navarrette, Honorary pallbearers will be her fourteen Great Grandchildren.

The family would like to express gratitude to J & J Home Health, Enhabit Home Health Care & Hospice, Dr. Terah Maupin and Dr. Heba Samara. The support and comfort that so many friends and family provided during this difficult time is greatly appreciated.