"I cannot put into words the light and warmth that one felt when being with Helen. The love that she and Matt shared was always evident when they were together and also when talking to one or the other alone. Matt, the Keefe and Martinez family my heart aches for your loss. May God grant you peace at this difficult time. With love Lynda"
In loving memory of
Elena "Helen" Martinez Keefe
August 26, 1960 - January 30, 2021
Elena (Helen) Martinez Keefe
Elena Martinez Keefe was a woman full of unmatched exuberance, kindness, and love. Her enthusiasm for life was palpable; she brought joy wherever she went.
She was the youngest of five children born on August 26, 1960, in Purépero, Michoacán, México. Her parents were Jesus Martinez and Clara Ortega de Martinez. Clara and Jesus nicknamed her "La Güera" because of her blonde hair. She grew up in Huntington Beach, California but throughout her life always returned to visit Purépero. She graduated from Huntington Beach High School, where she was infused with a love for sea and sunsets.
Family and faith were her life-long passions. Throughout her life, Elena was present at all the family's celebrations of special occasions. She never liked to miss one because, to her, family was everything. She simply was always there for her family, with unbridled care, and an abiding reverence for the memories of her lost loved ones.
She was her nieces' and nephews' friend, and often their babysitter because their parents worked. She helped to make sure they were well cared for, and although she was hardly older than they were and did not know how to cook, she would prepare her signature meal, peanut butter sandwiches. Elena leaves behind nieces and nephews whose fondest childhood memories are of their TÃa Güera teaching them how to swim and dance to banda music.
She thrived at family gatherings and holiday celebrations, where her sense of humor was surpassed only by her kindness. With a Cadillac margarita in hand and hot sauce on her food, she loved to dance, inspiring others to imitate her zapateado and disco moves. Her love of music, especially mariachi, was transcending. She was the life of the party, and the warmth in the hearts of all those whom she loved. Elena would make friends everywhere she went, even with those who cheered for the opposite team at the pub. She was a fan of Aaron Rogers and Dennis Eckersley, and she always supported her husband's teams with flair.
On April 26, 2009, she married Matt Keefe, the love of her life. Elena's adventures with him were full of the wonders of travel: winding road trips along the bluffs of the Mississippi River, sun-soaked beaches of California, sunset-colored fall leaves, dazzling snow of Minnesota farmlands, the glaciers of Alaska, sparkling lights of casinos, the turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea, Elena's hometown of Purépero, the multi-generational Keefe farm, and so many other feasts for the senses and soul. She loved to bask in the golden glow of sunflowers, giggle at penguins, watch the birds in her backyard, and admire deer in the wild.
Elena was a brilliantly tech savvy executive administrative assistant and happily retired at the age of 55. Consistent with her unparalleled work ethic, she maintained her real estate license after retirement, which she had for 25 years. She was a proud member of the Catholic Daughters of America, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. She always lent her hand to others, in helping with translation, employment referrals, or completing paperwork. She enjoyed life, was happy, and had a contagious laughter which imparted her happiness into all whose path she crossed.
Elena passed away on January 30, 2021. Her enduring legacy is how she lived her life, with an amazingly giving and selfless heart. She is survived by her adoring husband Matt Keefe, her step-children (Taylor, Garrett, Kristina, and Brendan), grandchildren (Ayla, Emma, Callahan, and Kailo), and mother-in-law, Pauline Keefe, and her sisters Irma Navarro and Mari Narez.
A Funeral Mass for Helen will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at St. Simon & St. Jude Catholic Church in Huntington Beach. Led by Father Mike Rizzo. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 until time of services. Burial will follow mass at Good Shepherd Cemetery.
Please share your memories of Helen and view her video tribute at www.hofffuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, please think of a beautiful house plant memorial you can take home after the mass to remember Helen. A live stream of the mass will be available at St. Simon & St. Jude's You Tube channel on their website. https://ssj.org/
Tributes
"Dear Matt & Family, Helen was my Executive Assistant for several years when I served as the Superintendent of the Santa Ana Unified School District. She was outstanding and beloved by all. My heart and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Words fail when wishing to deliver comforting thoughts, but please know that our heavenly Father never fails us and is with you and each member of your family at this difficult time. It is my hope that you may find peace and solace in your cherished memories of her. With deepest sympathy, Al Mijares ?For this is God, our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to death.? ~ Psalms 48:14 "
"So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. With sympathy Bruce & Michelle"
"Lathrop Intermediate, circa 1989, a group of us young educators in our late 20\'s working together five days a week and hitting happy hour on Fridays. Helen\'s infectious laugh, exuberant personality, and optimism for both work and play made her a cherished friend to all who knew her. She never changed; always true to herself and loyal to others. 30+ years after working with her, her passing is stunningly sad and far too soon. However, her memory is eternal. What a blessing she undoubtedly was to the Keefe family. How lucky all of us were to have known her. Her obituary captures the essence of this very special woman. Peace be to Matt and the entire Keefe family. My deepest condolences, Valerie Salata Glover"
"Helen was one of the sweetest, nicest people I have ever known. Always smiling, alwaysspeaking kindly and patiently, she was a light and a delight to be around. It saddened me greatly to hear of her passing. We have lost a rare and special soul. My condolences to her husband and the rest of her family. God has gained another angel but we will miss her very much. From a member of her Lathrop Middle School family. We all loved her very much. Sherry Rayder"
"Our thoughts and prayers to Elena, Matt and family. We were blessed to have known you, but for a short time. Love and prayers, Tom and Olivia Heim "
"My deepest condolences to Matt, the Keefe family and the Martinez family. I was very saddened to learn of Helen\'s passing. Helen and I worked at the SAUSD office for many years. Helen always had a smile on her face, had a great personality and sense of humor. I loved her laugh. She was caring and helpful to all who approached her. I will treasure all of the wonderful memories I have of her. Helen, may you rest in peace in the loving arms of our Lord. May God bless you Matt, and all of the family."
"The beautiful video and the awesome photos of Elena and Matt Keefe and their family\'s, was so touching. May Elena R.I.P. and \"God Bless Matt\", my dear brother, and blessings to both sides of the family\'s and friend\'s. Love and Hugs, and Prayers, Carol and Jerry Burgr"
"The most beautiful obituary ever and if you didn\'t know her before, you sure did after reading this. Elena was the most caring, kind, beautiful with a awesome smile and a super wonderful wife to my dear brother, Matt, and they were the most perfect matched couple and did so much together traveling etc. When they came to my family get togethers, they lite up the party so much with their super funny stories and joking with each other and lots of laughing. \"God Bless Them Both\" and their families. I will miss Elena, forever, and love you so much, Matt. Also, Matt\'s awesome son, Brendan and his lovely wife, Amanda, and their 2 young boys, have been there to help Matt through these difficult times and thank you sooo much for everything that you have done. Blessings to all of you and in my prayers, Lots of Love and Huge Hugs, Carol"
"My condolences to Matt and Helen?s families! Helen was a huge part of the Lathrop School Family! Very efficient and always smiling! I enjoyed many evenings going out to dinner with Helen and Miss Mendoza back in the 80?s! I guess we thought of ourselves as The 80?s Ladies! Great times! I feel Blessed having many memories with such a beautiful lady! "
"Matt, our sincere condolences.... we will always enjoy visiting with you and Helen at Dover and her great smile. I want to attend the funeral and visit with you and the rest of the kids...but recently had shoulder surgery and have to stay put. Please take care and hope to connect with you in the future.... Tom and Julie Keefe"
"The most wonderful beautiful woman ever. Such a joy to know and a pleasure to have in the family. "
"Our love and Prayers for Elena and Matt, and Family. We are blessed to have known you, but, for a little while. Love and Payers. Tom and Olivia Heim"
"It seems impossible that you\'re gone, it seems like you\'ll be there when I look across the street. Your love of life and compassion made you shine - and it made those around you shine as well. You will be deeply missed, my friend, not only by those whose life you touched every day, but by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing you. Your laugh and your light will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace Elena. "
"Helen was a special aunt and friend. Although she did not have biological children of her own, all of her nieces and nephews were like her children. She will be dearly missed in family gatherings, and we will forever cherish her memories. Tía (aunt) as she was called by the family, you are in heaven now with all of our beloved family members that have passed. Send us your blessings until we see you again. Patty, Hector and Carissa "
"Helen was a very special aunt. She was very loving and always gave me advice and support when I needed it. I will always cherish the moments we spent together. I clearly remember that when I was young she would take my cousins and I to the movies as well as beach day trips. She always was like a second mother to us and a true role model. You will be deeply missed! Love you Tia!"
"I had the privilege of working with Helen at Lathrop Intermediate School in Santa Ana, CA. She was our Office Manager and an absolutely wonderful one. She always had a warm smile and her laugh was infectious. She truly was the life of any gathering we had. Her passing is a terrible loss to those if us on earth, but heaven is blessed with a new angel. My thoughts and prayers are with Matt and all of her family."
"Matt and family, so sorry for your loss. "
"Helen was a wonderful aunt, loving and caring person! She was always there to hear me and to console me every time I reached out to her. She had an endless love for the entire family. When my twins were born prematurely, she gave me an ornament stating \"I believe in miracles.\" Aunt Helen, you are with our Heavenly Father now, and I know you will continue to send me your blessing from above. Love you! Sonia Cortez"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Matt and the families. Elena certainly left a mark on this earth. We take comfort knowing she is in heaven and seeing the truth. May her light shine bright for all of us to see. What an amazing example of life she lead?The Benton Family"
"Helen, I know you\'re reading my words from heaven... I have the fondest memories of SAUSD because you\'re part of it... you\'re always so nice to me and gave me courage to offer my Avon catalog around ??? I\'m so heartbroken to hear of your sudden departure to heaven... I know you\'ll make everyone laugh up there ??? I extend my condolences to all your family, specially to your dear husband Matt... may you rest in peace ?????? Adriana de la Paz Education First Spanish Anchor/ Reporter"
"My dearest Helen, I?m saddened to hear the news of you leaving us! Knowing that you will be with our Heavenly Father brings me comfort. I met you while working at SAUSD and during that entire time, you were such a blessing to so many of us! Your compassion and love for people and children was a gift from God. You were blessed with such a beautiful family and a wonderful Husband and extended family! You will be missed by so many who loved you. I am thankful and blessed that I was a part of your journey and you will forever be in my heart! Praying for God?s comfort, strength and peace to all of you. ?"
"Heaven has received a wonderful angel? Still hard to believe your gone?, but we know you\'re in a better place and may you shine down upon us, until we meet again.?? You will be deeply missed by the ones who had the honor and pleasure of knowing you. I love you Helen!!"
"Our most sincere sympathy to Matt and family at this hard time. May God be close to you. 1 Peter 5:7 \"Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.\" Matthew 5:4 \"Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.\" "
"To the family of Helen Martinez. I had the pleasure of working with Helen at Lathrop Intermediate School where she served as Office Manager and then promoted to District Office. Helen was a very intelligent woman and had outstanding office skills (short hand ) and her great bilingual skills. Helen was always bubbly and always greeted everyone with a smile. I will always remember Helen and my condolences to her family. Tina Gutierrez, retired SAUSD"
"My Deepest sympathy to Matt and family of Helen. She truly was a brightness to anywhere she was. Gone far to soon. God Bless you all."
"Matt, Helen?s family, Matt?s children and friends...it was an honor and pleasure knowing my Helen. Her laughter was contagious. Her kindness was spread like wild flowers. You couldn?t keep up with her...she walked so fast around the District. She loved life. Our Heavenly Father God said, ok Elenita , I need you, my angle, to come home. She is now heaven?s gain. I won?t say our loss because she showed us the way to love, live, laugh, and enjoy life. Until then my Helen...."
"My deepest condolences go out to Matt and the Martinez family. Helen was a dear friend and such a beautiful person inside and out. I Will forever hold you in my heart my dear friend. May you Rest In Peace Helen????"
"My deepest condolences to Matt and the Martinez?s family. May the Lord hold you closer to his heart and provide you comfort during this difficult time. My dear friend, Elena Milana Martinez-Keefe, I didn?t think you will depart so soon, but the love, joy, and laughter that we shared, I will always cherish. Although I am sad and missing your lovely and lively presence, heaven is rejoicing with opened arms to have you back home. Until soon my friend. With love, Lupe Pantoja "
"I worked with Helen at the Santa Ana Unified School District. She was such a lovely person with so much love in her heart. She had the most infectious laugh and was beautiful inside and out. My condolences to all of her family. She will always live in your heart. "
"My deepest condolences to Matt and Helen?s family. Helen was a dear friend and I will miss her and all her posting on FB. Rest In Peace, my dear friend. ??"
"Dearest Helen, We will forever hold you in our hearts. May you Rest in Peace. Lots of Love Always, Rose"
"Matt and family, so sorry for your loss. The world has lost a beautiful soul. "
"Matt, Rich and I are so very sorry and saddened by the untimely passing of Elena. We wish we were there to support you and give you a hug. May your wonderful memories live on in your heart forever and may your love for God and Elena help you in this most difficult time. Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to you and to your entire family."