Helen A. Gomez

Helen A. Gomez (nee Gallegos) passed away at age 91 on Sunday March 25, 2018.  She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren at the time of her death.   Helen was born in Socorro, NM and moved to Albuquerque in 1965. After moving to Albuquerque with her three children, Helen worked at a laundry mat before finding work with the State of New Mexico.  Helen earned an Associate Degree in Business from UNM and worked for the New Mexico Department of Labor as a Tax Examiner for 24 years, retiring in 1994.  After her retirement, Helen spent much of the next 22 years as a tireless volunteer for Restoration Ministries, feeding the hungry and homeless.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Alva Marie Gallegos and Martín Gallegos, her husband Simon Gomez Sr., and her brother Raymond Gallegos.  She is survived by her sister Emma Leyba; daughter Lavern Gallegos, husband Frank and daughters Amanda and fiancé Francisco, and Delainey; son Simon (Sonny) Gomez, Jr., wife Roseann and children Tammy, Simon III, Natasha and husband Caleb, and Keith; and daughter Naomi Johnson, husband Steven and children Victoria and Antonio.  She is also survived by nine great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.  

Helen always put her children first.  She did not remarry, saying that “no one was good enough for her kids.”  She was strong-willed and did things her way, right until the end.  The night before her death she resolutely salted her dinner, despite protests from Naomi.   Helen had a green-thumb and loved working in her yard.  She took in stray dogs and cats and donated to numerous charities, especially those that supported children or animals.  Helen refused to buy anything from the “internets” and loved and supported the US Postal Service.  She always remembered birthdays and sent cards and gifts, often quoting scripture and offering gentle advice to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Above all else Helen was a Christian and loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and peacefully resides with him in her heavenly home.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to help feed the hungry.