Helen M. Otero, age 77, passed away peacefully on Friday April 20, 2018. She was surrounded by her loving family.

She was born January 27, 1941 in Casper, Wyoming.

Family was the most important part of her life as well as her faith and love in Jesus Christ and her devotion to her church. She was our matriarch and our rock. She loved to be with her family and would drive for hours just to have lunch with her sisters or tell her children and grandchildren "Let's go to Deming and eat Chinese." Her favorite was orange chicken. Helen also loved to cook and made her children and grandchildren their favorite dishes whenever they wanted. There was nowhere better to eat than our Nana's kitchen.

Helen prided herself in her work at Chino Mines, formerly known as Kennecott. She started working in the mine as a Crusher Operator in 1977. She also worked as a Grinding Operator and a De Operator. She was well-known at work for her work ethic and her motherly and nurturing character and was known to all that she worked with as "mom." She was very caring and concerned for others and encouraged everybody to do great in their life and at work.

Upon her retirement in 2001 she kept herself busy with her hobbies which included crocheting, sewing, watching the NBA among other sports and making lavish baby shower and wedding decorations. And boy did she know how to throw amazing baby shower and wedding parties!

She is survived by her children Tonette (Ernie), Nicki, Louie (Cecil), Kenneth (Angelique), two step-children, Rose and Andrew Otero; two sisters Rosalie (Tom) Luckey, Lorraine Velez, one brother Jimmy (Betty) Villanueva, 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her mother Isaura Talamantes, her husband Oliver E Otero, and daughter Rosalie "Bernie" Bradfield.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 28 from 9-9:30 a.m. at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary being recited by Deacon David Castañon to begin at 9:30 a.m. The funeral liturgy will follow at 11 a.m. at Santa Clara Catholic Church with Father Robert Becerra officiating. Concluding service and interment will be at Memory Lane cemetery.

Pallbearers are Isaiah Amador, Jeremy Richards, Noah Herrera, Moe Ortega, Rudy Valerio, and Ernest Alcorta.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.

To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.