Helen Castañeda

1929 - 2025

Helen (Elena) Castañeda

August 11, 1929 - January 7, 2025

RACINE - Helen (Elena) Castañeda of Racine, Wisconsin passed away on January 7, 2025, with her loving family by her side. She was 95 years old. Helen was born to parents Crisoforo and Clotilde Juarez on August 11, 1929, in Racine, Wisconsin – a matriarch as the first Mexican American child born in Racine.

After graduating from St Catherine's High School, Helen was employed by Johnson Wax in the clerical pool. She enjoyed reading, listening to music and dancing. On weekends there were dancing halls featuring orchestral bands that played Latino music. Her brother was a musician in one of these bands and she occasionally went along with her aunt to his performances. She met her future husband and favorite dance partner, Jimmy Castañeda, at one of these dances. They were married in Racine at Holy Name (now St. Richards) in 1951.

In the 1950's and 1960's, Helen and Jimmy spent many years working with recently arriving Hispanic immigrants for the Catholic Missions at St. Lucy's Church. On November 7, 2013, they were awarded Hispanic Family of the Year from the United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS). They also taught their friends and children to dance Mexican folk dances, and they performed on stages throughout Racine County.

Helen continued to teach her students these dances throughout her teaching career.

After having nine children, Helen went back to school and received a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 1975. In 1977 she became the first Bilingual Administrator of Racine Unified School District. While working, she continued her studies to complete her master's degree in early childhood Bilingual Education in 1987. She was an active member and one-time president of the Wisconsin Association for Bilingual Education (WIABE). Helen was a dedicated educator with the school districts of Racine and Kenosha for over 20 years. Throughout her life, Helen was dedicated to the Racine community. She has volunteered through The Volunteer Center of Racine - Weekly Reader program, the Racine Heritage Museum at the 1880 schoolhouse (where she discovered that she was the first Hispanic born in Racine), RAM's Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts and the Racine Zoo. She also served with St. Joseph's and St. Rita's Parishes as a lector and lay minister. Helen was also an active member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). After Helen and Jimmy retired, they traveled around the world, visiting many countries over the years. While they were in their 80's, they were winning dance contests on cruise ships. Helen expressed that she felt privileged for her traveling opportunities. She passed on her love of learning and the arts to her children by bringing them to the library on a regular basis, teaching them traditional dances, exposing them to cultural events and the arts, and encouraging them to travel. Helen lived a long and fulfilling life and will be missed by all.

Helen M. Castañeda is survived by her nine children; Marie Christina Castañeda (Greg Padgett) of Wind Point, WI., Robert Castañeda of Racine, WI., David Castañeda (Kathy Floch-Castañeda) of Racine, WI., Tony Castañeda of Madison, WI., Lucy Castañeda Esterson (Scott Esterson) of Agora Hills, CA., Patricia Castañeda Tucker (Michael J. Tucker) of Madison, WI., Tim Castañeda of Ocala, FL., Mark Castañeda (Priti Misra-Castañeda) of Dania Beach, FL., and Laura Castañeda of Oak Creek, WI., her 25 beloved grandchildren, and 27 adorable great-grandchildren. Helen is preceded in death by her loving husband of 72 years; James P. Castañeda, her parents; Crisoforo and Clotilde Juarez, and her brother, Ygnacio Juarez.

Mass of Christian Burial for Helen will be held at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Avenue, Racine, WI on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be at Draeger Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, Mt. Pleasant, WI on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., and Monday at St. Richard's from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St Richard Catholic Church and the Racine Zoo.

DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

4600 COUNTY LINE ROAD

262-552-9000