Born to Luis and Hortencia Saenz, she shared the family’s love with her three brothers and two sisters. Early in her life, the family moved to Houston, Texas where she grew up and attended Marshall Junior High and Jeff Davis High School. She graduated in 1964 and maintained many dear and close friendships up until the time of her death. She focused her career of over 30 years in Higher Education. She was the founding Director of the International Office at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and Assistant Director of University Relations at the University of Texas at El Paso. She led an active life that always focused on family, but still found time for friendships and activities that included gardening, travel and golf.
She is survived by: Richard Padilla, her husband of 33 years; Her son Richard (Lisa) Barajas; Her daughter Lisa (Herbert) Bilbao; Her four grandchildren, Janie Bilbao, Julia Bilbao, Ricky Barajas and Josephine Bilbao; Her brothers, Joe (Gloria) Saenz, Eloy Saenz and Robert (Esmeralda) Saenz; Her sisters, Rosemary (Roy) Soraiz and Maria Saenz; and numerous nieces and nephews along with their families.
Mary Helen invites friends and family to consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.
Viewing:
Tuesday, April 24th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, Rosary at 7:00 PM.
Forest Park Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer, Houston, Texas, 77077
Funeral Mass:
Wednesday, April 25 at 10:30 AM, St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 527 S. Houston Ave., Humble, Texas, 77338
Burial:
Funeral Procession will follow the Mass and return to Forest Park Cemetery.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18