Elena (Helen) Sandoval Otero

It is with broken hearts that we are announcing the passing of our mother, Elena (Helen) Sandoval Otero. She died peacefully this past Monday, April 13, 2026, at her home in San Fidel, NM. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by various members of her immediate family. 

Elena was born on September 15, 1922, to Procopio and Rosenda Ortiz Sandoval in Seboyeta, NM. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elfego, and by three of their five sons: namely, Ricky, Candido, and Steven. 

(Note: For the information that follows, a “+” indicates the person is deceased and names in parentheses indicate a person who was/is a spouse.) 

Elena is survived by her remaining six children which include Helen Rice (Rojo), Florie Garcia, Delfinia Romero (Floyd), Victor (Olga), Robert, Mary Jean, daughter-in-law, Dorie, and a very special niece, Mary Helen Lopez. Elena had twenty-nine grandchildren and many great, and great-great grandchildren. Elena was also blessed to have many nieces and nephews from the various descendant Otero and Sandoval families. 

Elena had six siblings, only one of which is still living, Procopio Sandoval Jr. (Aurora). The others, who are deceased, were: +Roman (+Doris), +Flaviano (+Emilia), +Premia Baca, +Abenicio (Christina), and +Moises Anzures (+Jennie). 

Elena was a stay-at-home mom, however she was very active in her church and in her community. In earlier years she served as a 4-H leader and a cook at St. Joseph’s Catholic School. She loved to sing and would always invite others to join in with her. Her favorite songs included You Are My Sunshine, El Rancho Grande, and Alta y Delgadita. Elena was well known for her blue-corn tortillas and for the chile rellenos she would make for the holidays. In order to maintain the family recipe and tradition, her daughters and some granddaughters recently gathered to learn how to make the rellenos. 

She was called by many names: Elena, Helen, Mom, Grammie, Grandma, Auntie, Sister, and Friend. She will be deeply missed but remembered for her love, laughter, and the joy she brought to those around her. She leaves a legacy of faith in the Lord, devotion to Santa Elena, and a commitment to family. 

Her family is especially thankful for the care she received from Maria, Helene, and Compasus Hospice. 

Services will be held Saturday, April 18th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in San Fidel, NM. Viewing will be at 8:30, Rosary at 9:30, Eulogy at 10;00, and Mass at 11:00. Burial will follow and will be done at San Fidel Cemetary. Afterwards, a reception will take place at the St. Joseph Mission School.