Helen Mary Cerda

In Loving Memory of Helen Mary Cerda. Helen Mary Cerda, 76, of Downey, CA, passed away on March 12, 2013, surrounded by her family and loved ones. The funeral service was held on Monday, March 18, 2013, at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, CA. Helen was peacefully laid to rest following the services. The youngest of six children born to Jose and Belen Velasquez, Helen was born in Hermosillo, Sonora, on July 7, 1936. The family moved to California in 1944 where she graduated from Fremont High School and began a career at Sears in Los Angeles where she was employed for over thirty years. Helen married Mariano Cerda on June 9, 1956. They moved to Huntington Park where they started a family with son Mario and daughter Rebecca (Beckie). Upon the birth of their third child, David, they bought a home in Downey where they have lived ever since. Helen and Mariano were married for 56 years. Helen worked as a supervisor for Sears beginning in the late 1950s. After her retirement, she filled her time with part time work at Pace Warehouse, Downey Unified School District, and most recently, Caremore Insurance. She enjoyed cooking and family gatherings. She was also involved in senior activities in Downey, particularly enjoying the day trips to Pechanga and Morongo casinos. Her main priority however was her devotion to her immediate and extended family. Helen Cerda is survived by her husband Mariano, three children; Mario Cerda, Beckie (Mike) Fisher-Cohen, and David Cerda, two grandchildren; Brooke Fisher and Jared Cerda, brother Pepe (Luz Marina) Velasquez and a large family of nieces, nephew, and cousins. ********** Published: March 21, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 49