Helen and Tanya Ortega

Helen T. Ortega and Tanya A. Ortega

Helen T. Ortega, a loving and supportive mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026. Her beloved daughter, Tanya A. Ortega, age 57, passed away unexpectedly on June 9, 2026. Their family is honored to celebrate their lives and remember the love, kindness, and compassion they shared with so many.

Helen was a devoted wife and mother and a wonderful educator whose career spanned more than 40 years. She touched countless lives through her work as a teacher and was known for her kind and caring nature. Helen had a gift for making others feel heard, loved, and valued. She gave generously of herself to care for those around her and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Tanya was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a wonderful nurse who touched the lives of many through her kindness and compassion during their times of need. Tanya also had a great love for Steve Perry and enjoyed taking long drives while listening to his music.

They are survived by Helen's children and Tanya's siblings, Theresa and Robert Joseph; Helen's grandchildren and Tanya's nieces and nephew, Sebastian, Kylie, Aubrey, and Lena; and Helen's great-grandchildren and Tanya's great-nieces, Jade and Amaya. They also leave behind many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert I. Ortega; her daughter, Tanya A. Ortega; her parents, John and Minerva Duffy; and her brothers, Richard Duffy and his wife Carol, and William Kilmon and his wife Betty.

Tanya was preceded in death by her father, Robert I. Ortega, and her grandparents, John and Minerva Duffy.

A Rosary and joint funeral service celebrating the lives of Helen and Tanya will be held on August 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at French Funerals & Cremations - Lomas, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in their memory.