Helen Ornelas

Helen Ornelas
January 12, 1930 - June 5, 2024
Arrived in Clifton, Arizona
Left from Lincoln, California

Helen Ornelas, a woman of strength and independence, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2024, in Lincoln, California. Born on January 12, 1930, in Clifton, Arizona, Helen's life was a testament to perseverance, resilience, and love.

After enduring the loss of her first husband Earl Eltchinoff and navigating single parenthood, Helen exhibited unwavering strength, surviving breast cancer and thriving despite life's challenges. A wanderer and traveler, she embraced her independence and was known for her stubborn yet loving nature. Helen was always ready to help others, whether supporting her family or volunteering at the local thrift shop. Her creative spirit shone through her oil paintings and later, her passion for photography. Helen enjoyed traditional mariachi music and Spanish flamenco, filling her life with joy. She enjoyed dancing and was a devoted fan of musicals and theater.

She is survived by her children, Katy (Michael) Laffin, Earl Eltchinoff, Ramon Eltchinoff, and Anne (Wacek) Ornelas; her grandchildren, Anton (Jessica) Laffin and Kaila Laffin; and her stepchildren, Ronald (Susan) Wacek, Donald (Marta) Wacek, Kathy (Ted) Stephanides, and Victor (Sherry) Wacek, Jr. along with 7 step grandchildren and 7 step great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings Robert (Irma) Ornelas and Irene Mayhill, and 6 nieces and nephews, her cousin David (Linda) Gonzales, their children Tina (Angel) Barros and Mike (Christina) Gonzales, and their 3 grandchildren, and her first husbands' nephews Adam Erlich and Sean (Rocio) Erlich and their 2 children.

Helen's journey began in the 1930s and 40s as the third child in the Ornelas family. The family moved around the Southwest, creating cherished memories in places like Ruidoso and White Sands, New Mexico. In the 1950s, Helen, a bright and ambitious young woman, completed dental nursing school at 19 and later married fireman Earl Eltchinoff. They had three children before Earl's untimely death in 1962. Helen also cared for her cousins, David and Karl Gonzales.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Helen faced the significant challenges of single parenthood. She married her second husband Victor Wacek, adding another daughter and five stepchildren to her family. Raising her children in Pleasant Hill, CA, she displayed remarkable bravery and dedication, finding part-time employment to provide for her family when she and Victor divorced. Despite these hardships, she created a loving and nurturing home, instilling in her children the values of resilience and perseverance.

In the 1980s, Helen was employed full-time with Contra Costa County, welcomed her grandchildren, and rekindled her love for musicals and photography. Her retirement in the mid-90s marked the beginning of many adventures, traveling locally and internationally, and deepening her passion for photography.

The 2000s and 2010s were filled with family gatherings, sports events, and memorable trips, including an ultimately safe return from Nova Scotia during 9/11. In her later years, Helen faced health challenges but continued to be surrounded by the love of her family.

A burial service will be held at a later time for immediate and extended family. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Kennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship Fund are welcome https://kennedyking.org/

Helen Ornelas's legacy of love, strength, and creativity will continue to inspire all who knew her.

The Hummingbirds
by Robert Foster
It’s amazing to me that they travel so far
Feisty and noisy and small that they are
Emerald and ruby just buzzing about
A pause and a sip with a curious shout

In spring when they come, so tired and wan
In fall when they leave it’s so quiet at dawn
Longing and left, the silence pervading
I’d smile once again at your raucous invading

I’m left here alone at the break of the day
No tweets of good morning to light up my way
Color and humming recede to the last
Departure your sign, that the summer has past

This time of year as the fall will descend
With a hitch in my throat, just to see you again
Saddened and hoping you’re safe on your flight
I pause with a sigh as I’m left without sight

Who would’ve thought such a small little bird
Would cause such a break when no longer it’s heard
Wishing and praying won’t lengthen your stay
But oh how I wish to have just one more day