Helen Aguilar Galaviz

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved matriarch, Helen Aguilar-Galaviz. Helen left this world peacefully on October 23, 2025, at the age of 88, embraced by the love and presence of her family in the days before her passing.

Helen was born in her beloved hometown of Globe, Arizona, on April 2, 1937, to Tomasa B. Ochoa and Antonio Aguilar. She is survived by her son, Stephen D. Loya (Veronica), and her daughter, Elizabeth A. Galaviz (Geno), both of Phoenix, AZ.

She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Santiago Lopez (Kayla), Selena Lopez, Sophia Lopez, Chris Chavez, and Analiese Loya, as well as eight great-grandchildren.

Helen is also survived by her brothers, Tommy Ochoa and Quintin Ochoa, both of Globe and her sister, Otilia Toscano of Phoenix. She is preceded in death by her soulmate and querido, Antonio Galaviz; her brother, Tony B. Aguilar; and her sisters, Esther Jackson, Annie Avalos, and Lucille Silva.

A few years after graduating from Globe High School in 1955, Helen moved to Tucson, where she worked at La Suprema Bakery and spent time singing on a local radio station with her best friend and future sister-in-law, Rosa Aguilar.

She eventually made her way to Phoenix, where she met her husband, Antonio, and dedicated many years to working as a waitress, most notably at La Piñata and Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant. She was deeply loved not only by her co-workers but also by the families who owned each establishment. To this day, they remember her with great affection and share heartfelt stories of her kindness, warmth, and unforgettable presence. After her time in the restaurant industry, Helen continued her work ethic and devotion at Revlon, where she spent several years before eventually retiring.

In addition to her work, Helen took great pride in being a guiding force in the lives of her grandchildren. Affectionately nicknamed “Precious” by her grandson Santiago, the name quickly became a term of endearment embraced by the entire family—because to all of us, she truly was precious. She poured love, patience, and wisdom into each of her grandchildren, shaping their lives with gentle strength, sharp wit and humor that will forever live in their hearts.

Singing música mexicana was the rhythm of Helen’s spirit—a gift she shared with pride and authenticity. It was more than a pastime; it was her language of love. When she sang, she didn’t just sing the words—she told a story. Her story. Through her voice, she created moments that became treasured family memories we will hold in our hearts forever. At family gatherings, her songs—and the beautiful duets she shared with her beloved Antonio—became the soundtrack of our lives, filling our homes with joy, unity, and celebration.

Helen will be truly missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched.

A Visitation and Rosary will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018.

Visitation will take place from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with the Rosary beginning at 6:00 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004.

Interment will follow at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85257.

A Reception will be held immediately following the interment at the Green Acres Reception Hall.