Helen DeAnna Sandoval, 61, ended her battle of terminal cancer on May 10,2023 at her home surrounded with her family by her side.

Cancer may have claimed her life, but she claimed her soul and kept it true.

Helen was born January 12, 1962, in Los Angeles, California to Carmen Elisa Sandoval and Marcos Garcia Sandoval.

Helen worked first as a CNA then as a phlebotomist at the Amarillo VA, she called herself “the blood fairy” also known to everyone at the VA as “Dee” or “Lady Dee”. She proudly served all the veterans she came across with compassion in accordance with her fellow co-workers. She was an independent, beautiful woman inside and out who never complained of anything, she just kept on going. She was a very giving person, a joy to talk to.  She had the kindest heart with such an amazing soul. She loved the color purple, also loved hummingbirds which stand for the sign of intelligence, beauty, devotion, and love.  They are also respected as fierce fighters and defenders of their territory. She was a true hummingbird. She loved Betty Boop and enjoyed giving and helping her neighborhood.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents Marcos Garcia Sandoval and Carmen Elisa Sandoval.

She is survived by her daughter Penny Schroeder and husband Troy; a sister Vickie and husband Isaac; two brothers, Mark Sandoval and his wife Brenda, and Ray Sandoval; grandchild, Jessica and great-grandchild Ryleigh Ann; three nieces Bryanna Sandoval, Courtney Constancio and Makayla Winn; several great nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was loved by all and will be forever missed, but never forgotten. She touched many lives with her generosity and passion for life. The memory of her will forever be in our hearts. “Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean.”

On behalf of the family, we would like to give sincere appreciation to the BSA hospice staff who provided their services of caring for her and, thanks also to all our family and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Martin Church at 1:00 p.m., Monday May 22, 2023, 1507 N. Adams St. Amarillo, Texas. Burial of her ashes will follow at Llano Cemetery 2900 S. Hayes St.