Obituary of Helen DeLaTorre Salazar

Helen (Maria Elena) DeLaTorre Salazar of La Salle passed away on March 31, 2022. One of 12 children, Helen was born on September 13, 1931, to Benito and Guadalupe Gutierrez DeLaTorre, in Eaton, Colorado. She attended school in Eaton. Helen married Fermin Salazar in 1946 and had six children. They lived in Nebraska a short time, but returned to Eaton and then moved to Galeton, Colorado where they operated the Galeton Grill and Pool Hall. After several years in Galeton, they settled in La Salle. Helen was a room mother for each of her children while they were in grade school. She was a parent chaperone for the Pride of the Valley High School Band traveling with them around Colorado, Wyoming, Minnesota and twice to Hawaii. Helen opened her home to all her children’s friends so much so that it became a the place to hang out and grab a snack or a meal. Her value for learning and education left a huge impact on her family. Helen attended Aims Community College completing a variety of courses. She was a licensed child daycare provider for over 30 years in her home and considered the children she cared for as her family. Helen also owned a catering business from her home specializing in wedding cakes. Helen loved traveling throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada. Her hobbies included reading, word searches, fishing, gardening, ceramics, sewing and knitting. She enjoyed mariachi music and dancing. Helen was an election judge for several years and volunteered in presidential campaigns. She also enjoyed serving as a volunteer at Weld County General Hospital. Helen is survived by Anita Salazar, Benita Salas (Pablo), Patricia Robles (Rudy), Richard Salazar, and Constance Wamhoff (MJ). She leaves behind seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews who have supported and loved her. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were “the love of my life.” They described their grandmother as “fun, funny and loving.” Her strength, unselfishness, kindness, and humor will be missed by her family and all who loved her. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Fermin Salazar and son, Fermin Michael Salazar, Jr.  

Recitation of the Rosary will be at 8:30a.m., Friday, April 8, 2022 followed by the Mass of Christian burial at 9:00a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Interment Eaton Cemetery. A reception with be held at Adamson Life Celebration Home following the interment. Donations can be made in her name to either Shriners Hospitals for Children or St. Jude’s Hospital in care of Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 W. 47th Ave., Greeley, Colorado 80634. 

Friends may send condolences to the family at adamsoncares.com.