Helen Bordelon Obituary

Helen Bordelon, 87, a cherished Mother, Daughter, Grandmother, and Mother-in-law, was called to her eternal resting place on February 19, 2025. She was born on April 24, 1937, in San Antonio, Texas, to Ruben and Catherine Cotulla. From the moment she entered this world, Helen touched the lives of all those around her with her kindness, strength, and unwavering love.

A proud graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in 1955, Helen went on to build a life filled with purpose and devotion. She married Tommy Bordelon, and together they were blessed with two sons, Jeffrey Scott Bordelon and Henry Cullee Bordelon. Her love for her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she poured her heart into nurturing and supporting those she held dear.

Helen's professional journey was one of determination and grace. She began her career as a secretary to Herb Kelleher at the law firm of Oppenheimer, Rosenberg, Kelleher & Wheatley. Herb was appointed CEO and President of Southwest Airlines in 1981, and Helen remained with the law firm until 1985 when he recognized Helen's exceptional abilities and offered her the position of his personal secretary. This opportunity took her to Dallas, where she spent 16 wonderful years with the company, witnessing its remarkable growth and becoming an integral part of its success. After retiring from Southwest Airlines in 2001, Helen settled in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she worked as a receptionist at SeboTek Hearing Systems. Even in retirement, she continued to radiate warmth and kindness, connecting with people and sharing her love of life.

Helen's heart was always at home with her family. She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life-reading, being an active member of her book club, and, most of all, cherishing precious moments with her loved ones. Her grandchildren, Lily, Nicholas, and Grayson, brought her immeasurable joy, and she delighted in watching them grow.

Helen's legacy is one of love, compassion, and strength. She leaves behind a family who will forever carry her memory in their hearts. Her spirit, her kindness, and her love will continue to guide them through life's journey.

She is survived by her sons, Henry Bordelon and Jeffrey Bordelon; her granddaughter, Lily Bordelon; her daughter-in-law, Kathryn Bordelon; and her grandsons, Nicholas Wakin and Grayson Bordelon. Each of them was touched by her incredible love and will hold her memory close for the rest of their days.

She is preceded by her mother, father, and daughter-in-law Kimberly Bordelon.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Schaudt Tulsa Funeral Service & Cremation Care, 5757 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK 74145. Family and friends are invited to leave kind words of comfort, share special memories, and offer condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com.

Helen's light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be dearly missed, but her love will forever endure.-