Helen Ester (Mercado) Galvan

Helen Esther (Mercado) Galvan (1916-2019) The Angels came for Helen after 103 years on May 17, 2019 she was escorted to heaven and reunite with her beloved Arthur.

Helen was born in Santa Ana, Ca. on February 28, 1916 to Amelia and Federico Mercado. While she always considered Santa Ana home, she also lived in Prescott, Az., Murrieta, Ca. and San Diego, Ca. Helen met and married Arthur D. Galvan in 1941, who shortly thereafter joined the US Army. Upon his return from the service in 1945, they settled into life in Santa Ana and had three children who were the loves of their lives.

Because of her love for all children she was always involved in their school and scout activities. She took piano lessons so she could help them with their lessons. Once her children were old enough, she followed her passion and studied hard and long to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse. She worked in numerous rest homes and in a doctor’s office in Santa Ana for 20 years before retiring.

In her earlier years Helen loved to dance, read, sew, crochet, camp, and did a lot of ceramics. She enjoyed cooking and made the best homemade tortillas in the neighborhood. She always loved fashion and was undoubtedly the best dressed person in the room! She enjoyed travel and took every opportunity to visit her daughter overseas in such exotic locals as Ecuador, Egypt, Austria, Lesotho, Mauritius, Panama and Portugal.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Arthur (deceased 1977), and all her siblings Della, Anita, Joe, Tony, Arthur, and Fred.

Helen is survived by her three children Edward Galvan (wife Jane), Barbara Rangel, and Steven Galvan (wife Pamela), grandchildren Laurie Gardenier, Katie Galvan, Jon Galvan (wife Nicole) Shawna Reynolds, great grandchildren Jeremy Galvan, Samantha Muzer and Sierra Fewell, grandchildren Jace Gardenier, Max Gardenier (wife Shannon) and one-year old great great grandson Lief Gardenier, and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Helen had a bubbly personality and an infectious smile and made friends easily. She will truly be missed. Helen, Catholic Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church in Santa Ana Ca. followed by burial at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange Ca.

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