Helen Stensrud

helen stensrud
Helen Stensrud passed unexpectedly on July 4, 2020 at the age of 60 and was found by her family that morning. She was born Helen Marie Bowers on July 19, 1959 in Del Rio, Texas. Helen is survived by her husband, Bryan Stensrud of Garden Ridge, whom she married on March 18, 1982, her children, daughter Rachael Ferrera and son Chase Stensrud and grandchildren Luca and Enzo Ferrera. Both children reside in San Antonio. Helen is also survived by her father Fred Bowers and step-mom Pat Bowers of Del Rio as well as four siblings, Ginny Mitchell of Spring Branch, TX, Paula Steele of Spring Branch, TX, Freda Martin of San Antonio, TX and Russell Bowers of Deltona, Florida and two half sister, Sharon Krotzer of Oregon and Carrie Dyk of South Dakota. Helen graduated from Del Rio High School as Salutatorian of her graduating class. She went on to, first, a BSS in Math at UTSA and received a teacher's certification soon after, and taught until she went back to get a Masters degree in counselling, also at UTSA, and became a certified LPC in the state of Texas. She began her career working at the Ecuminical Center eventually moving to private practice. Helen felt very strongly that counselling was her life's calling and at one time was a premier child therapist in San Antonio. She practiced until an unfortunate accident in 2010, when Helen became primary caretaker for her husband Bryan. Helen was active in her faith and with her church and she gave selflessly of her time and energy. Some of her activities included Sunday school teacher, Reader at her chruch and active participation in Acts retreats. Helen contributed to the church and parishioners faithfully and generously and did all from her heart and in service to the Lord. Once Helen was in the role of caretaker she still continued to give to others. She became active in Quilts of Valor and on the day she passed two people, in a Fourth of July ceremony, were awarded quilts that she had made. During our recent Covid 19 Crisis she had sewn 200 plus masks for family and friends. If there was a need, Helen tried to respond to it. She had a heart as big as Texas and absolutely loved giving freely to others. As a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a daughter, and a friend Helen has left us all blessed by her participation in our lives and love for her in our hearts. Her spirit is a resounding testament that affirms us still and she will be forever missed.

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  1. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. I worked with Helen at the Ecumenical Center. We had wonderful times together. She spoke of you all with much love. I know you will miss her so very much.

  2. I am so very sorry for your loss. Helen was such a sweet and kind person. She was a fantastic quilt maker and I will miss her on our retreats.

  3. I first met Helen at an ACTS Retreat, but I go to know her when I join the Quilt of Valse. She had a beautiful heart. I will miss her laugh, ideas, and friendship. Praying for all of her family. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light upon her. May she Rest In Peace . Amen. Friend forever Mary Vega.

  4. I remember how giving Helen was when a huge group of kids and adults would stay at her house while they had Bible clubs in the area. She fed us and didn’t seem to mind sleeping bags and makeshift beds all over the floor. She was so kind and very generous. I know that heaven is just a bit sweeter knowing she is there.

  5. The Leckie family would like to express its deepest sympathies for the unexpected passing of Helen Stensrud.

  6. Helen, you will forever be remembered and in our hearts. You will be missed very much. You were a very special person, Wife, Mother and Friend. Our deepest condolences to Bryan, Rachel, and Chase and the rest of the family. Rest in Peace dear friend and sister in Christ. From Magda and Luis Castellanos

  7. We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you and your family. Wishing you strength and peace during this difficult time.

  8. Our deepest condolences. Helen will always be remembered for her genuine personality and illuminating smile. God Bless, Jeff Crain & Family

  9. One of kind in all the best ways 🙂 Her incredible spirit lives on with us. Sending much love,

  10. Helen, Your loss left a hole in our lives! Eternal rest grant unto you O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon you.. Rest in Peace our friend!

  11. We loved you Helen and send our love to your family during this difficult time for them. One more angel to look after us!

  12. Such a great loss of a wonderful human! She will be missed by all who knew her. Loved being around her and admired her strength. RIP Helen Love, Laura and Wayne Woods

  13. May your loving memories ease your hearts during this difficult time. Helen will be missed by so many. Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with you.

  14. Helen was everything written in her obituary and much much more. She was so full of love and caring. The picture in this memorial is the perfect picture of her. In it I can hear her say “HEY” with a big ole smile as I greeted her each time we met. She was a devoted spouse and you could see her eyes light up with love when she snuggled up to Bryan. She was as industrious of a person you will ever find staying busy with quilting, crafts, fixing things around the house and of late, wood turning. I used to tease her that she invented “aerobic yard work” as she would furiously rake the yard or dig to plant flowers. She was never in slow speed. I will miss Helen dearly, a friend, occasionally a mentor, occasionally a confidant. We provided support for each other, we argued, we cried together. Godspeed Helen, I will grieve you well. Mike

  15. We will remember Helen just exactly as her photo is presented. She was a person with full of energy, never slowed down for anything. What a vibrant person she was with her beautiful, big smile each time we met. A lot to be learned from her. She will be dearly missed by all of us. Ken and Sue Varholla


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