Mary Helen Salazar

Mary Helen Salazar, 80 of Texas City, Texas, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023, in her home surrounded by loved ones.

Mary was born in Cuero, Texas, on March 11, 1943, to Fidel and Betty Ybarra. Mary attended Cuero schools and graduated class of 61. After graduating, she continued her education to become an LVN. She was an LVN for 60 years. 30 of those years were spent at Mainland Center Hospital, followed by retirement. However, retirement didn't last long for Mary. She continued her work at numerous nursing homes using the gift God gave her to care for others. Working and being a care taker was part of who Mary was.

Mary enjoyed many things outside of work, including reading, gambling, and dancing. Mary felt reading could take you anywhere and let you become anyone while getting lost in a book. She enjoyed reading materials from National Enquirer to New York best sellers. Mary wasn't shy to jump on a casino bus and head to Louisiana. Hitting big was a thing she loved to do. She also wasn't shy to jump on a dance floor from Cumbia's, to two stepping,to Zydeco you could always find a dance partner in her.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Fidel and Betty Ybarra, her brother Paul Ybarra,and the love of her life, Eddy Vega;which they are now back together dancing on the dance floor of Heaven. She is survived by her son Thomas Salazar (Sheree). Her daughter Tracy Salazar (Gerald Washington) . Grandchildren Brianna Salazar, Brittany Salazar, Mario Salazar Johnson, Jessica Wenze, and Jeremiah Washington great grandchildren Tatiana Salazar Woods and the future Romeo Salazar Woods. Sisters Amelia Lopez (Fred), Beatrice Salazar, and Doris McClain (Dave) and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mary Helen is better known to many as Aunt Nena , who was a strong, compassionate, and independent woman. She was known for her dry sense of humor and sharp tongue. Her honesty and open mindedness made her someone you could go to when in need. Her focus in life was her family.

Memorial service for Mary Helen will be September 16th, 2pm at 5410 FM 1765 (Facing hwy 3) Texas City, Texas 77591. There will be a repass to immediately follow at Mr. Calvin's. 6022 North Martin Luther King Avenue, Hitchcock Texas.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Ken Scooby Washington, Sandy & Anthony Wenze, Lorilea Salazar, Lance Dressman, Noah Salazar, Keith Redman Dressman, Mark Lopez, their families. And of course the sisters, Amelia "Aunt Mama" Lopez, Beatrice "Aunt Bea" Salazar and Aunt Doris McLain.