Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1945
DIED
2025
Helen Tafel Obituary
March 7, 1945 - July 16, 2025
Helen Louise Tafel, age 80, went to heaven for a long-awaited reunion with her husband, Vic, on July 16, 2025.
Helen was a long-time resident of San Antonio and was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Her careers centered on banking and business.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Victor Tafel, Jr. and her parents, Joseph and Emma Louise Ruck.
She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Elizabeth Ruck; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Patsy and Pedro Cerisola; as well as cousins, Holly Crumpler and Christine Pepmeyer. In addition, she is survived by nieces, Patricia Cerisola-Mansi, Andrea Cerisola, and Francesca Cerisola, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.
Helen was a fierce and loyal friend to many whether it was a classmate, a co-worker, a neighbor, a traveling companion or a relative. She possessed an amusing, quick wit that she did not hesitate to share with friends and family. Her humor will be missed.
Over the years, she had the good fortune to travel extensively and experienced many adventures. For the last several years, her joy in life came from her "boys" - cats named Patches and Winston.
At Helen's request, memorials in her honor are suggested to First Presbyterian Church, 404 N. Alamo Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205, or the San Antonio Humane Society, 4804 Fredericksburg, San Antonio, Texas 78229.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in the Guthrie-Bryant Chapel at First Presbyterian Church, 404 N. Alamo Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205.
You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com
Arrangements with
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Tafel
Make a Donation
in Helen Tafel's name
Memorial Events
for Helen Tafel
How to support Helen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Helen Tafel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
