Helen Gacita Pena

August 21, 2003 – December 12, 2022

Helen Gacita Pena, age 19, of Jacksonville, FL passed away on Monday December 12, 2022.

Since birth Helen was a fighter; she overcame countless medical obstacles throughout her

lifetime and somehow always managed to keep her spirits high. Helen was a student at

Englewood High. She enjoyed snapping photos of nature for photography class, however her

favorite subjects to photograph included anyone asleep at home that she could add silly filters

to on Snapchat. Helen was quiet natured, but once she opened up to you, you’d quickly learn of

the vibrant, sassy, brave, tough as nails, prankster that she was. Helen was competitive and

enjoyed playing video games with her sisters and niece. In fact, she was the undefeated

champion of Super Smash Bros. Helen loved making jokes and putting on a show for the family.

She enjoyed dressing up in ridiculous outfits and singing karaoke at home with her sisters and

cousins. Helen was a thrill seeker and loved riding roller coasters at theme parks. While she did

not particularly enjoy sports, she spent a lot of her time outside catching lizards and frogs.

Helen had a tremendous love for all animals. She was the dedicated lizard-rescuer every time

one found its way inside the house. Helen had two “sons” -- a leopard gecko named Jimmy and

a pet chihuahua named Pavaroti, whom she lovingly nicknamed “Ugly Son”. Helen was very

family oriented and was her happiest at home spending quality time with her loved ones. She

will be deeply missed.

Helen is survived by her parents, Ernesto and Elena; her brother, Ernesto Jr.; her sisters,

Hamida and Harleen; her niece, Julia; maternal grandparents, Emilio and Migdalia; paternal

grandmother, Aleida; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Pena family.