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In Memory of Helen Razo The San Diego Native American community came out in unity to pay respect to Helen Razo who passed away May 5, 2003 Helen Helen Razo was known and loved by the tight-knit Native American community that she embraced Helen, a lifelong resident of the area had deep historical roots in San Diego. Her Great Grandmother May Olivas settled in Old Town in the late 1700’s. where her Grand mother Lola (Dolores) Mayer was born.. Her Great Aunt Nellie Marquez lived in one of the oldest houses in Old Town. Both her Mother and Grandmother attended San Diego High School. Although her Mother and Father were Catholic Beatrice and Manuel Olivas. held on to traditional values of the Kumeaay Mother Kueamaay Helen and sister Patricia Solomon. Known and loved by the tight-knit Native American community that she embraced Helen extended hospitality to all. The eulogy at the grave site where Helen was laid to rest on top of her mother at Holy Cross cemetery was given by Sandra Urban: Helen Mae Razo was born on December 14, 1940 in San Diego, CA. She attended Logan Elementary, Memorial Jr. High and graduated from San Diego High School. As a young girl she was very active in sports, especially softball, and joined neighborhood clubs. She always attended the dances that were put on by these clubs. She loved to dance. History tells it that she was one of the best dancers of her peers. She met Paul Razo during her high school years; they fell in love and were married as soon as she graduated from high school. She had three children; Paul Jr., Deborah, and Cynthia who died of infant death syndrome. During her years on earth she had a lot of medical problems, but she never lost her love of life. Helen was always a pleasant and loving person to family and friends. She never had a bad thing to say about anyone. Helen and Paul became very active with the Native American Indian community after her employment with the American Indian Education Program. Helen and her husband were always willing to volunteer with the activities and POW WOW’s, put on by the program. The rumor had it, that they made the best Indian tacos around. They had also joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and were very active in this as well Helen has six grandchildren; Sofia, Tony, Paul Jr., Rachael, Pete and Cynthia. They always wanted to be around her because of her warmth, patience, and love that she showed them. She was always attending their sports, graduation, and all activities that se could. She was loved by so many and will greatly be missed b all that had the opportunity to know her. According to Helen's sister Patricia Solomon, Helen was quite daring in her younger years. While playing softball she took advantage of her position as outfielder to smoke cigarettes, feeling that the distance from the bleachers offered her security from being detected Unbeknownst to her on one occasion her parents brought binoculars to watch the game and observed Helen. When confronted by her mother Helen asked? "How did you know?" Her mother pointed to the binoculars and said "These don't lie?" A Rosary was held at Goodbody Mortuary on El Cajon blvd. And the Mass Our Lady Of Guadeloupe Church Expression of caring flowed from the community. Anita…..made the following statement: Not having known Helen for very long I knew, as all that knew her that she was a special person, that remains so in our hearts and we can all feel a little more special for having known her. Helen gave tirelessly of her time and talent but greater yet she gave graciously of herself, freely from her heart and always with openness and love to all people of all ages all races all cultures "Corinthians 13:13 and now abideth faith hope and love these three; but the greatest of these is love... you gave the greatest gift Helen so you are greatly remembered and you will be greatly missed. |
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