Mary Helen Tetuan

Mary Helen Tetuan, 77, entered eternal life on November 14, 2021, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on December 20, 1943, in Topeka, Kansas the daughter of Jose and Maura (Mancillas) Tavares.

She was a 1963 graduate of Topeka High School and received her CNA while at Stormont-Vail Hospital.

She retired in 2014 from Customer Service at Walmart and had retired in 2002 from Josten’s where she worked in the bindery department.

Mary Helen enjoyed dancing, running, playing BINGO, cooking, gardening, and decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas.  She was a volunteer for the Mexican Fiesta and helped six family members with royalty.  She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe where she spent time in adoration, was a member of the Altar Society, church choir, and the Third Order of St. Augustine.  Mary Helen was recognized by the church as Mother of the Year. 

Mary Helen married Vincent Tetuan Jr. in Topeka, Kansas on January 25, 1964.  They shared 49 years of marriage before his passing on December 25, 2013.  She is survived by five children, Roberto (Alicia) Tetuan of Topeka, Vincent “Vino” (Angel) Tetuan III of Kansas City, MO, Danny (Milagros) Tetuan of Merriam, KS, Lisha Tetuan (Christopher Haze) of Topeka, Gina Tetuan of Topeka, fourteen grandchildren, Mark, Ashley, Michael, Rico, Amanda, Emilio, Sierra, Juan, Esteban, Gabriel, Dominic, Vincent IV, Lourdes, and Victoria.  She is also survived by 13 great grandchildren and her siblings, Jesse, Rudy, Marty, Juan “Johnny”, Irene, Alice and Pete, many favorite nieces and nephews, and her beloved pet Chula.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and four siblings, Marcelino, Pete, Uvaldo and Ruben.

Mary Helen will lie in state at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the church.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church or Holy
Family School and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.