Maria (Griego) Helms

MARIA T. (GRIEGO) HELMS
Appleton

Age 70, died Saturday, July 14, 2001, at Appleton Medical Center. Maria was born on August 8, 1930, in La Joya, New Mexico, to the late Balta and Bennie (Cordova) Griego. She married Rodney Helms on August 30, 1952, in La Joya, New Mexico. Maria’s life passion was her dedication to the education of children. She was a teacher in the Kimberly School District for over 34 years and after her retirement she substituted in the Kaukauna and Appleton School Districts. Maria was a member of the Wisconsin Education Association (WEA); was a Pink Lady volunteer at AMC; volunteered as a Spanish language interpreter; was a member of the State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction-Advisory Committee for the Wisconsin Reading Comprehension Test (WRCT) since its inception; and she enjoyed gardening, traveling, shopping, and especially the time spent with her family. She adored her grandchildren. Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Rodney; her daughter, Patti (Dennis) VandeBurgt, Neenah; her daughter, Geri (Patrick) Wang, Fond du Lac; her son, Dave Helms (and Ellen Weber), Appleton; her grandchildren, Angie, Jennifer, Kim and Abby VandeBurgt and Rachel Helms; her brother, Rey (Barbara) Griego, Albuquerque, New Mexico; her sisters, Eva (Milton) Sanchez, Belen, New Mexico; Edwina (Marcel) Abeyta, La Joya, New Mexico; Beatrice Lopez, Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Fidelma (Robert) Romero, Albuquerque, New Mexico; her sister-in-law, Idabel Andraschko, Kimberly; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her dog, Tiffany. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Lola Griego and Lucy Cordova and her brothers, Joe and Boni Griego. The Funeral Liturgy will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 18, 2001, at ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2331 East Lourdes Drive, Appleton, with Fr. Harold Berryman officiating. Friends may call directly at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff of the ICU at AMC for their loving care. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in her name.
WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 920-739-1231