Mary Helen (Sanchez) Polanco “aka Mamose, Aunt Lena” was born in Truth or Consequences, NM on October 10, 1952 to Ambrosio Sanchez and Josefita Padilla. She grew up in Truth or Consequences as one of 9 children and graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1970. After graduating, she became a beautician and bought the Harper Salon in downtown T. or C., in 1973.

She met the love of her life, Santiago Polanco, and got married on July 6, 1974. In 1979, they welcomed their twin children, Selena and Jason, and later, in 1988 their daughter Kimberly was born. After their children were born, she slowed down her beautician work. She later became a teacher at the head start and worked there until 2008.

When her first grandchild, Tristan, was born, she stepped away from the workforce so she could take care of him. She was not going to allow anyone else to care for her grandkids. She helped raise all of her grandchildren: Tristan, Gabriel, Kenzie, Keira, Layla, Jacob and Ezekiel. She taught them lifelong lessons on how to love one another and instilled a strong faith in each of them.

Helen could always be found in the kitchen. She could make a meal out of almost nothing and make it taste like the most delicious thing you had ever eaten. She showed her love through food and would literally cook for days before the holidays just to make sure everyone had their favorite dishes. Helen truly lived for her family and would light up when anyone was coming to visit her.

Even in her last days, when she was ill and could not get out of bed, she would try to feed anyone that came through her doors. She was a woman of strong faith, kindness, courage and strength.

Helen is survived by her beloved husband, Santiago; sisters- Virginia Ortega (Mike) and Ida Olivas (Ruben); brother, Gilbert Sanchez (Rosemary); children- Selena Polanco (Lorenzo Lopez), Jason Polanco (Kacey), and Kimberly Montano (Michael); grandchildren- Tristan Polanco, Gabriel Polanco, Kenzie Polanco, Keira Polanco, Layla Montano, Jacob Lopez, and Ezekiel Montano; as well as many cherished cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Services for Mary Helen will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church starting with a Rosary at 10:00 A.M. followed by Memorial Mass. A reception will follow at the T. or C. Civic Center.