Helen Mary Cordero

1940 ~ 2019

Devoted Mother, Grandmother, Humanitarian and Friend

Helen Cordero was born April 18, 1940 in Nassau County, New York, to Lottie Emily Campbell and Francis "Frank" William Pavlak. Growing up on Long Island, Helen's childhood was not always easy and with her brothers and sisters, they learned to be frugal as they faced family crises and made many sacrifices just to make ends meet. After high school she attended the Bellevue School of Nursing in New York where she graduated with a Bachelor's in Nursing.

Helen married her sweetheart Ismael "Bob" Cordero on March 31, 1961 in Roslyn, New York. She worked as a nurse to support their growing family as Bob worked on finishing his degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Tri-State College. There they were blessed with four children including David Scott, Deborah Ann, Jennifer Marie and Bradley Stewart. During this time, they were visited by missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and with the help of friends and local members they soon joined the church and were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on July 8, 1971.

In December of 1973, Helen and Bob became modern pioneers as they left their home in Hauppauge, New York, making the trek across the country to the small town of Crescent, Utah. Starting over with a new home, new job, and new opportunities, they were once again blessed with two more children Craig Campbell and Matthew Bernard.

Helen quickly became an active cook, quilter, dressmaker, seamstress, and tailor; at first out of the need to keep all six children fed and clothed, but this would turn into a life-long love of sewing and quilting. Even while raising six children, she always found time to sew countless articles and quilts for community and church humanitarian efforts. You would often find little or no room on the kitchen table as it was usually covered in fabric and various sewing projects, all in different levels of completion.

Helen also worked for Jordan School District for several years teaching and helping students with special needs. She served in numerous church callings throughout her life and also served with her husband a church service mission at the cannery and Bishop's Storehouse for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was involved in the community and loved attending several of the local quilters club meetings. She loved to teach and share her talents with everyone and was always willing to help in any way she could.

Although she always loved a good baseball game, any chance she could, Helen tried to attend many of her children's and grandchildren's events. From football, basketball, lacrosse, track, soccer, softball or baseball, to choir, theater, piano and dance recitals. She also made every effort to attend birthdays, baptisms, graduations, weddings, baby blessings, reunions and more. She loved spending time with family.

In November of 2016, Helen lost her beloved husband Bob as he returned to his heavenly home after battling many physical hardships. She was greatly saddened and would often speak to his photo on the wall as if he was still there, missing him and loving him. After battling many physical hardships of her own, it was only fitting that on February 14th, Valentine's Day, Helen Cordero returned to her heavenly home to be reunited with her eternal companion Bob once again. Joined together in eternal love, they will continue to watch over their family and shower blessings down upon them.

Helen leaves behind her two daughters and their spouses: Deb and Mike Nelson, and Jen and Dallin Richardson; her four sons and their spouses: Dave and Tina, Brad and Nancy, Craig and Darci, and Matt and Camille Cordero; also 29 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Although she is no longer with us physically, she will always be with us in spirit and we will never forget the lessons she taught and the countless hours she spent serving those around her. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 18th at 11:00 am at 89 East 11000 South, Sandy, UT. Viewings will be held Sunday evening from 6-8 pm and on Monday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the funeral services. Interment at Crescent Cemetery in Sandy UT.