Helen
Helen Finch
d. February 7, 2024
Helen Louise Finch, known as “Sito” by her family, age 90, of Espanola, NM, passed away in her home February 7, 2024, surrounded by her children. Helen was born October 12, 1933, in Ohkay Owingeh, NM, the youngest girl of Fidel and Latify Merhege’s 12 children.
She attended Santa Cruz High School where she was a cheerleader and led pep rallies. She met her loving husband Gene while she was the secretary at Espanola High School. They were married on June 9, 1956, and spent 52 wonderful years together. Helen continued to be a cheerleader for her children and grandchildren at all their sporting events and she cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren more than anything else.
Helen was well known to many in the Espanola community and beyond. She cared for many neighbors and especially loved to visit with her friends. She knew no strangers and enjoyed the company of others. Much of her time was spent in service to the community, fundraising for Holy Cross Catholic Church and School, McCurdy private school, and many other organizations in the valley. She was especially known for her sense of humor, her fiery trouble-making spirit, and her famous banana bread.
Helen is preceded in death by her husband Eugene Finch, parents Fidel and Latify Merhege, her 11 siblings, and her great granddaughter Arya Womack. She is survived by her three children, Cynthia Redman (Michael), Warren Finch, and Renee Finch; three grandchildren, Gregory Redman (Chelsea), Jennifer Womack (Jesse), and Lindsay Redman Rivera (Emilio); six great grandchildren, Laurel, Alina, Samuel, Oliver, Layla, and Emeterio; and many nephews and nieces.
The family wishes to thank the Presbyterian Hospice nurses for their comfort and care. Special thank you to Lourdes Rascon for her loving care, Noelle Maestas for leading the rosary, and Father Sebastian for leading the services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Cross School, PO Box 1260, Santa Cruz, NM 87567.
A rosary will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, February 15, 2024, followed by the funeral mass at 11:00 AM at Santa Cruz de La Canada and burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Gregory Redman, Emilio Rivera, Jim Million Jr., James Merhege, Steven Merhege, and Leroy Garcia.
The family of Helen Finch has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen Finch, please visit our flower store.
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