In Memoriam: Helen S. Johnson, Orta & Saenz Family

In lieu of flowers, Helen's family invite her family and friends to make a donation towards the Historic Preservation and Restoration of Little Flower Basilica, which played such a large role in her life. 

Helen Orta Saenz Johnson
September 25, 1934 – July 1, 2025

Helen Orta Saenz Johnson was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 25, 1934. Helen was also a long-time member of the Brown Scapular Society and Altar Society at Little Flower Basilica where she made cakes and sold punch with her Tia Mary Orta, at the church festivals to raise money for those organizations and the church. In her later years, Helen enjoyed going to good restaurants, keeping up with the family gossip and watching her favorite novelas. 

Mass Service will be held at Little Flower Basilica on August 12, 2025, beginning at 9:30 am. 
In Lieu of flowers please donate to Little Flower Basilica Renovation Fund.

About Little Flower Basilica

The first National Shrine in the United States dedicated to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower serves as a historical and spiritual landmark near San Antonio’s West Side. Since 1931, the Basilica has drawn diverse peoples into a space where they can encounter beauty together, lifting hearts and minds toward God through stunning architecture, art, and sacred music. Presenting programs in Spirituality and Arts & Culture, the community of Discalced Carmelite Friars work to share the beauty of Carmel, offering a space where faith and the arts unite. Learn more at littleflowerbasilica.org.