Helen Alvarado July 22, 1929 ~ December 29, 2011
		Draucker Funeral Home 700 N. Spruce Street Post Office Box 296 Ogallala, NE 69153 Ph:  308.284.4021

 OBITUARY

 
Helen Alvarado, 82, longtime Brule resident, died Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Indian Hills Manor.

Helen was born Maria Magdalena Valdivia, on July 22, 1929 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Her parents were Aurela and Francisca Valdivia.

Helen attended Saint Joseph College in Mexico. She met Miguel "Mike" Alvarado while working at the Orchidia Beauty Salon in Guadalajara. Helen and Mike were married on January 21, 1948 in Guadalajara. The couple moved to the Ogallala area.

Helen was proud to become a citizen of the United States of America on May 22, 1959. When needed she was often called upon to translate for Spanish speaking people.

Helen was known for her wonderful cooking. She knew no stranger and loved to feed family and friends. She enjoyed doing handy-man repairs and gardening, as well as sharing and delivering fresh eggs and food in the Brule and Ogallala area. She especially loved homemaking and being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of St. Luke's Catholic Church.

Preceding her in death were her parents, sisters Victoria and Socorro, and a brother Antonio.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Mike Alvarado of Brule; her son Michael (Sandy) Alvarado of North Platte; two daughters: Patty (Robert) Reyna and Lydia Sheldon, all of Brule.  One brother Gabriel Valdivia of Guadalajara, Mexico. Six grandchildren: Eric Sheldon of Denver, CO.; Michael Reyna of Lincoln; Angela Sheldon of Omaha; Kristin (Ray) Estrada of Citrus Heights, CA; Jonathan (Amber) Alvarado of Grand Island; Michelle Alvarado and fiancé Preston Petersen, both of Lincoln; and one great-grandson Nicholas Estrada.

Visitation will be Friday, December 30, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Draucker Funeral Home. The Rosary and Wake Service will be Sat., December 31, at 10 a.m. in St. Luke's Catholic Church, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. with Father Bryan Ernest the Celebrant.

Interment is in the Brule Cemetery. Online Condolences may be sent by clicking here.  A memorial has been established in her memory.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.