Helen A. (Abeyta) Rizek

Helen Rizek, née Abeyta, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness, surrounded by her family.  Helen’s sweet smile and big-heartedness will be dearly missed.  Throughout her life, Helen was described as a people person whose genuineness and love could be sensed by anyone she came in contact with.  She was a wonderful mother to her three children and was known as the “Cool Mom” by her children’s many friends.   She was generous to a fault to her countless friends no matter what was needed, whether it be a ride, errand, shelter, or a delicious meal.  Helen was a wonderful and proud grandmother always ready to listen and help in any way possible.  For many decades, she cherished the monthly luncheons with her St. Mary’s classmates.  Helen enjoyed dancing, cross-stitching, puzzles, traveling, and collecting earrings and thimbles from different countries.  Helen was preceded in death by her father Maximiliano A. Abeyta, and mother Marie J. Abeyta and her sister Martha Dolores Cook. She is survived by her brother Henry Abeyta, her children Randel Rizek and wife Elaine Rounds-Rizek, Lynnette Rizek and husband Sean Carlile, Michelle Varela and husband Alan Varela, her grandchildren Shey Mertz, Conner Mae Mertz, Komal Hanna, Delta Varela-Glos, Frank Gonzales and wife Katie, and Danny Gonzales, great grandchildren, F.J. Gonzales, Sophia Gonzales, Kaelani Gonzales, and her niece Deborah Cook Raver, along with and many other beloved relatives and friends.

Please join us in celebrating Helen’s life on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 2:00 pm at American Legion Post 69 located at 9000 4th St. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87114. Helen was never a fan of black. She requests everyone dress in a color that reminds them of her or the color she liked you in.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made  to City of Albuquerque’s Department of Senior Affairs Senior Meal Program. Online donations are welcome and appreciated. https://web2.vermontsystems.com/wbwsc/nmalbuquerquewt.wsc/donation.html