HELEN ADALINE CASTRO MEDINA
April 27, 1931 – November 30, 2024
Helen Adaline Castro Medina passed away at home with family at her side in Stockton, California on November 30, 2024.
She was born in Norwalk, California to the late Arnulfo and Inez Castro on April 27, 1931. She was predeceased by her sisters Connie Leos, Annie Contreras, and Josie Gonzales, whom she loved dearly.
Helen is survived by her loving and devoted husband Ernest (Ernie) Medina of 72 years, and their children, Frederick (Juanita), Sandra Medina-Haberman (John), and Nancy. She leaves behind her sister Linda Castro, and many nephews, nieces, relatives, godchildren and friends.
She was affectionately called Abuela (Abue) and Mama to four grandchildren Megan, Ernesto, Esteban and John and three great grandchildren Kennedy, Miles John and Drake. Helen loved to cheer for her grandchildren at their sports and school events.
For the last few years, Helen was lovingly cared for in her Stockton home by her children, niece Roseanne Leos-Ceja, nephew Billy Contreras and caregivers Marlin Barahona, Claudia Yanez, Marlem Soto Aviña, and Teresita Amaya.
Helen dedicated many years working in the Stockton Unified School District as an attendance clerk. She enjoyed luncheon events with her retired co-workers.
Helen prioritized and cherished time spent visiting with relatives and friends wherever they resided and regularly communicated with them via telephone.
Helen loved traveling and for many years spent the winter months in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with her husband. She enjoyed trips to San Francisco and Sausalito to dine at her favorite neighborhood restaurants, watch Giants baseball games, and attended Broadway musicals. She savored See’s candies and delighted in anything chocolate, and adored listening to Luis Miguel music.
Helen was a doer. She will be remembered as a petite but tenacious Taurus woman to be reckoned with. Her family privately understood “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” Helen exemplified caring for others and a strong work ethic which she instilled in her children.
Helen expressed her love through cooking, baking and hosting family gatherings. Family and friends relished her amazing, authentic, homemade Mexican dishes and many other international cuisines. She was also an avid gardener, enjoyed sewing, crocheting and had many other natural talents.
Helen shared fond memories of growing up on the family farm with many nearby relatives in Norwalk, California.
When Helen was a teenager, the film “The Postman Always Rings Twice” was being filmed near her house in Norwalk. At the same time, every day, John Garfield, the lead male role of the movie, would ride his bike past her house on his way to the set. At first, she didn’t recognize him, but after a few times he passed by her house she realized who he was. From that day on, every day at the same time, when he would ride past her house she would whistle at him. After whistling at him for multiple days in a row, he stopped his bike in front of her house and yelled, “Who’s whistling? Let me see you.” So, she poked her head out of the window and waved at him. After that day, every time he rode past her house, he’d wave at her, and she’d whistle back.
The Medina Family would like to thank relatives and friends for their visits, calls and prayers. Helen appreciated seeing and hearing from loved ones. Our sincere gratitude to Father Mathew Issac for his many comforting visits, prayers and blessings which gave her peace. Also, a special thanks to her caregivers, medical professionals, Care One Homecare and SEVA Hospice who assisted with her care.
Private family services were held.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
If you wish to do something in Helen’s memory, consider making a donation in her name to either:
St. Mary’s Community Services, 545 W. Sonora Street, Stockton, CA 95203
info@smcares.org
St. Mary’s High School, 5648 N. El Dorado Street, Stockton, CA 95207
www.saintmaryshighschool.org or a charity of your choice.
Helen’s Catholic faith was a very important part of her life. She prayed the Rosary often and prayed for others. She always ended prayers before meals with “and may it nourish our bodies.” One of her favorite prayers was “The Memorare.”
Helen will be greatly missed and forever remain in our hearts and prayers.
Descanse en paz hermosa y querida esposa y madre.
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone
who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help
or sought thy intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins, my Mother!
To thee do I come,
before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy,
hear and answer me.
Amen.
