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Category: Obituaries Obituaries
Published: 24 August 2020 24 August 2020

pacheco 01Helen R. Pacheco, 94, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, August 18,
2020 at Silver City Care Center. She was born June 18, 1926 in Hillsboro, NM to Francisco
Rascon and Severa Estrada Rascon.

Helen was a kind and unique soul who never knew a stranger and was always willing to share the fruits of her culinary labors. Which, coincidentally, was probably for what she was best known. To this day, people tell tales of her salsa and burritos.

Tales of how she always seemed to have just the right ingredients for a meal no matter what time you might be visiting. And how there was always plenty … and then some! Helen knew that by sharing this part of her that she was giving you something more than the actual food that was on the plate.

Helen and Trini had forged a life together that was represented by their marriage of more than 60 years. They raised four boys and called Silver City their home. While Trini’s history may have been best remembered in relation to lumber, Helen was committed to St. Francis Newman Center Parish. It was in the parish that she forged close relationship with many, many people, especially when she was a part of the funeral ministry and people anticipated her delicious contributions. Helen would forge a special bond with Sr. Rita Plante and would become a faithful participant of the Associates of the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially after Trini passed, meeting once per month and praying for members of the parish community as well as the residents of Silver City. It was not uncommon to see Helen, Sr. Rita, and Eddie and Sylvia Madrid enjoying a nice breakfast meal and fellowship after Sunday Mass.

Helen had a heart of gold. She was always more concerned about the well-being of others, than any concern she had for herself. While living in the Silver City Care Center, she always had concern for the residents in the Renaissance Room who were not getting visitors and would request donuts from a close friend to distribute to the residents so that they wouldn’t feel bad. Helen always wanted to know how others were doing, not unlike a mother making sure all the children have had plenty to eat.

Helen will be missed. She would be happy to know that she might have inspired even one person to think beyond themselves and have concern for another. She would be happy to know she was an example for someone who might not realize the blessing that comes with being supportive of others. Though the streets of Silver City will feel emptier now that Helen has joined Trini, the skies will shine brighter as they take their place in the Kingdom of Heaven.

She is survived by three sons, Ramon Pacheco (Cecilia) of Silver City, NM; Carlos D. Pacheco
(Bernice) of Bayard; Daniel Pacheco (John) of Dallas, TX; eleven grandchildren; twenty-six
great grandchildren, and two great great-grandchildren; one sister, Mariana Dyer and her late
husband Don of FL; one daughter in-law, Diane Pacheco of Albuquerque; sister in-law, Barbara Rascon of Maryland; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Trinidad B. Pacheco; one son, Jaime Pacheco, two brothers, Gregorio Rascon and wife Susie and Michael Rascon.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 26 th from 9-10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels. The
funeral mass will follow at 10:30am with Father Bartholomew Ezenwelem officiating.
Pallbearers will be Ramon, Carlos, Daniel, Stephen, and Matt Pacheco, also Andres Javier

Chavez. Concluding service cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Inurnment will be
Thursday, August 27 th at 1pm at Fort Bayard National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest
with her husband. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted
care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit
www.terrazasfuneralchael.com.