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Mary Helen Almanza

Mary Helen Almanza

Aug. 20, 1941 - Aug. 14, 2022

Date of Service: Aug. 23, 2022

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Mary “Helen” Armijo Almanza, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, returned to her heavenly home on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022. She passed away peacefully at her home in Boise, Idaho, surrounded by her family. She was 80 years old.

Helen was born Aug. 20, 1941, to Malaquais and Maria Consuelo Gonzales Armijo in Billings, Montana. She later moved with her family to Toppenish, Washington, where she attended elementary and high school. It was in Toppenish where she met her future husband, John F. Almanza. They moved to Burley, Idaho, to be with John’s family and were married there in 1961, for all time and eternity. They made their home in Burley, raised their four children there, and enjoyed nearly 61 years together.

Helen was a lifelong and an active member of the Catholic Church and her community. She was a parishioner at St. Thérèse the Little Flower Catholic Church for 50 years, where she enjoyed serving in the Altar Society and as Eucharistic minister. She was honored and named Catholic Woman of the Year for the State of Idaho in 1976. She dedicated her free time to volunteer work in the Burley community and received many accolades and awards. Helen loved caring for and improving the lives of children; spending many years as a literacy advocate, elementary school aide, daycare owner, and foster parent. Helen was a beautiful person inside and out and was very loved by her family and friends. She will be forever missed.

Helen is survived by her husband, John; all four of her children, Linda Almanza Kresl (Steve), Connie Almanza Mitchell (Mike Decker), Tina Almanza Rose (Dexter), and John Almanza (Kelley); one brother, Edward Armijo (Juanita); nine grandchildren, Kiley Mitchell, Chelsea Mitchell, Brionna Rose, Magdalena Kresl, Taylor Mitchell (Maddie), Augustine Almanza, Juanito Kresl, Giovanna Almanza, Asher Almanza, and Westin Rose; two great-grandsons, Simon Mitchell and Porter Mitchell; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Malaquais and Mary; and a brother, Nieves Armijo Lopez, all of which are now surely enjoying a family reunion.

The funeral Mass will be offered for the repose of her soul at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, at St. Thérèse the Little Flower Catholic Church, located at 1601 Oakley Ave., in Burley, with the Rev. Father Eladio Vieyra as celebrant. Right of committal and burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley. A reception will follow immediately at St. Thérèse the Little Flower parish hall.

Friends and family will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, at St. Thérèse the Little Flower Catholic Church in Burley, with the recitation of the holy rosary beginning at 6 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/K9i3emic3W8.

A live webcast of the Graveside Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/oX_-WwFKCJI.

Condolences for Mary Helen Almanza

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From WendyAsson Humbach:
May you rest in peace Helen! You were such a lovely person! God Bless You, and your FAMILY!!
From Susie Fuentes:
So very sorry to hear of your loss of such a beautiful lady, you were all so blessed to have as a mother. Helen was a beautiful person inside and out, and she glowed always. So proud to have known her . God bless her family.
From Danalyn hull:
Blessing the families with wonderful memories of Helen she was a wonderful lady and neighbor
From Gabrielle Van De Kop (aka Pat's daughter):
John and family - I'm so sorry to hear about Helen's passing and wish I could have been at the services to honor her in person. She was a beautiful soul, so warm, loving and giving. I will miss her mischievous sparkling eyes, her laughter that would light up a room and her positive "can do" attitude. Praying for you and your family that you may find comfort knowing how many people's lives she touched and how much she is loved. May the beautiful memories bring you peace and comfort you during this difficult time.
From Pete & Marta A. Hernandez:
To the entire family: Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your loved one. May her wonderful memories bring you joy and help you overcome this difficult time. Helen was an incredible person!
From Joe (Joey) Gil Almanza Jr. :
Rick and I were staying at Grandma and Grandpa’s while they were visiting Texas. I picked up the phone, the caller on the other end was screaming every name in the book at me. I was giving it right back, only better. I called everybody to see if they knew what was going on. When I called uncle Johns house, Aunt Helen answered. I started explaining, I heard her giggle in the background. She said, " Joey, when people talk about you, good or bad, they are blessing you. You should have thanked them before you hung up." I told her the person hung up on me in disgust. She laughed so hard, she got me laughing. Ricky kept asking me, what’d she say, but we we were both laughing so hard, Rick started laughing just as hard and didn't even know why. I never forgot those words. Needless to say, I have been and continue being blessed abundantly. I passed those same words of wisdom along to my kids, and I remind them when they forget to remember those words spoken to me. I love you Aunt Helen.
From Joe (Joey) Gil Almanza Jr. :
I love and prayers to my Uncle John, my cousins Linda, Connie, Tina and Johnny and their families. May God bless you and keep you in his Grace in this trying time. Aunt Helen had a good long run. She had a great life and raised great kids, some of my favorite people in the whole world. She also was a positive in our lives, she always treated us like gold. We had great childhoods growing up in Burley, with all the people I love.
From Lino and Adeline Rojas:
To Compadre John and all the family - We were so sorry to hear of Helen's death. She was a good friend and we have such good memories. Though she is gone, we know she will always live in your heart. May she rest in peace.
From Kimberly Egan Whitaker:
Connie and family- so sorry for your loss. Your mom was always so kind and welcoming. Glad we were neighbors! Your mother always had a beautiful yard. She always dressed so nice and was a beautiful lady.
From Your cousin Dina:
I have such great memories of Aunt Helen, when I would get to spend the night with my cousins as a little girl. She was always so cool and made it fun. I remember she would wake up early and make us this fabulous breakfast. Aunt Helen was such a kind, giving, loving and beautiful lady, who lived a beautiful long life. You will truly be missed Dear Aunt Helen but, it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. Uncle John and to each one of my cousins, i’m thinking of you all, and praying for you, that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will give you peace and comfort in this time of need.
Love and miss you all very much. Lean on each other love each other and remember your family is just a phone call away if you ever need to talk.
From Lisa Nelson:
Linda, my sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. She was a beautiful lady and my Mom always spoke so highly of her too. I remember our moms At Girl Scouts and of course going to the church bazaar at Christmas time. Perhaps our moms will see each other one day.
From Felipe Gonzalez :
Connie sorry for your loss you guys are in my thoughts and prayers
From Phil Broussard:
Hi Linda-
So sorry to hear about your mom! I know it is very tough.
You and Steve take care,
Phil and Michelle
From Peggy Forbes:
So sorry to hear this sad news! My condolences to the Almanza family. Helen was such a beautiful spirited person inside and out . I loved being her neighbor for many yrs on Oakley where I always watched her working in her beautiful yard . Rest In Peace my friend.
From Doni Mallory:
Helen was the most beautiful and classy lady I have ever known, not to mention so very spiritual as well. She was such a support to me when she came to my Confirmation at St. Nicholas Church in 1990. I shall never forget it. She was indeed blessed to have such a wonderful family and many friends. A great lady. She is now in the realm of Paradise with our beloved Lord Jesus. Condolences, peace, and prayers go out to the Almanza family and all who's lives she touched. Helen, your spirit lives on!
From David Fuentes (San Antonio TX):
To my dear friend Helen, thank you for being a great inspiration in my life, thank you for being my friend, laughing with me, holding up and sometimes your held my hand when you knew I needed it and I didn't. You go and rest in peace now my friend for I will always carry you in my heart.
From David Fuentes :
I will forever miss my dear friend, she was a great inspiration to me, even when I moved to Texas we still kept in touch. Rest in peace my sweet dear friend , and I know you took the love of our friendship with you....
From Sharon Sullivan :
Helen was a dear and much loved friend. When we lived in Burley, it was an exciting time for the Church right after Vatican II. We worked together as CCD teachers, singers, painters, etc. also we had fun. I will never forget those precious years or the women I was privileged to know. And now so few of us are left. The sadness is mine, but Helen is resting in the arms of God. I pray for the family to find healing and comfort.
From Your God Son :
John, I pray the Lord brings you, The family and loved ones peace, love and strength in each other in this your hour of need. My deepest condolences.
From Patty Howarth:
I have such fond memories of Helen that go back a lifetime. It was an honor to know her. Sending my love and prayers to all her loved ones
From Mary Hansen Cook:
Tina and Almanza Family:
I have fond memories from my high school years visiting your home and can remember Helen's bubbly personality. She was spirited, a little loud and quick to poke fun. She was eager to hear about what we were up to and then let us know what she thought about it. I'm smiling as I write this. I can hear her voice. I was very touched three years ago to receive a package in the mail from Helen that contained a crocheted baby blanket she had made and a children's book congratulating me on my first grandchild. It was such a special gift that I will enjoy with all my future grandchildren and will think of her every time I use them. My heartfelt condolences to your family. Big hugs and loving care to Tina.
From Your Godson :
Blessed beGod, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.
Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
From Rose M Almanza:
Prayers for the entire Almanza family. Her passing is a great loss to all who knew her & especially for her loved ones. May she rest in peace, thank you Aunt Helen for always being so good to me & my boys.
From Candace ki g:
As a small child and then as a newlywed, Helen was a great neighbor! What an elegant lady!
From Mary Ellen Kelly:
Almanza Family. So sorry to hear about Helen. My sincerest condolences and prayers. Mary Ellen Kelly
From Judy Rogers:
Helen is a treasure to have had as a member of family and as a friend. She gave so much to others. As a loving heritage for Helen, her precious daughter, Lindy, whom is the only other family member that we really know....is a blessing to others in many ways, as she too gives as her mother did. Your parents had set the pattern of love in your life, Lindy; and you are following it well. God’s blessing, comfort and peace be with all of those who mourn Helen’s passing.
From Susan Cole :
She was a woman of prayer and believed in the power of God to work all things out for the best. She prayed for Linda to have a travel companion on her trip to Europe, and when it worked out that it was going to be me, she wanted to meet me.
From Joyce Zunino:
Connie so sorry for your loss Hugs and prayers
From Brenda Allred:
I was saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. My condolences to you and your family.
From Ramiro Cardenas :
I'm sorry for your loss, your mom was a great human being. It was an honor to have known her.
From Lorie Hoffman:
Helen left a memory of peace and joy each time I visited her in her final weeks. May God bless her family!
From Andy Maestas :
My condolences to the family of Helen.
From Marie Armijo Brady:
I offer my condolences for Aunt Helen and Uncle John and all my cousins and their children. I am heartbroken but know she is at peace.

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