Florentina (Tina) Manderfield Otero Helgeson Cooper May 27, 1933 - September 15, 2026

Florentina (Tina) Manderfield Otero Helgeson Cooper, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to all who knew her, passed away on September 15, 2026, at the age of 93. 

Born May 27, 1933, in Albuquerque, NM, Tina was the youngest daughter of Theodore Roosevelt Manderfield Armijo Otero and Laura Neil Roberts. Tina’s grandfather, Sgt. George Armijo served in the Spanish- American War under Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders as Theodore Roosevelt’s Spanish interpreter. When Tina’s father was born, Theodore Roosevelt was asked and accepted to be his Godfather, whom her father was then named after. 

Tina lived in many places during her lifetime. She was a resident of Los Lunas and Sante Fe, NM, Clearwater Lake, WI, San Diego, CA, Japan, Cincinnati, OH, Biloxi, MS, and Hot Springs Village, AR. As a teenager, her family traveled to Chile where she learned fluent Spanish and received private singing and guitar lessons. 

She met her late husband Donald Herman Helgeson in 1953 while he was serving in the marine corps at Camp Pendleton. Tina was an opera singer with the San Diego Opera. Tina and Don Married in September of 1954. When Don was called to the Korean War, Tina eventually moved to Japan to be with the now Captain Don of the USMC. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and faith. 

Above all else, Tina was a devoted mother. She raised seven children with prayer and love that never wavered. After Tina left the San Diego Opera, she continued to bless many others with her beautiful voice singing solo at St. Vincent Ferrer Church and family weddings. Tina was an amazing cook. Her home was always filled with the smell of her southwestern favorites: empanadas, tamales, chicken cacciatore, natillas, and bread pudding. Tina also had a passion for the stage. Whether a church variety show or community theatre you could always find her there. She had the lead role in The King and I, roles in Man of La Mancha, amongst many other plays. She was an avid golfer and could often be found on the greens. Tina won several tournaments and was known as the Mississippi Queen of golf. She even lived on several golf courses throughout her life. Those who knew her remember her luxurious parties where she showered her family and friends with homemade gifts and delicious food and desserts. 

She is survived by 6 of her children: Christie Marie Hanna, Lisa Ann Helgeson, Mark Manderfield Helgeson (Susan), Michael James Helgeson, Phillip Lawrence Helgeson (Courtney), and Donald Herman Helgeson, Jr.; 7 grandchildren: Matthew Hanna (Cheryl), Jamie Beck (Christian), Kelly Koehler, Lauren Frazier(Alex), Lindsey Stiens (Brian), Megan Helgeson, and Erika Ames (Tyler); 13 great grandchildren: Brandi, Riley, Peyton, James, Addison, Bailey, Brooke, Tara, Audrey, James, Theo, Owen and Grayson; and her youngest sibling, Theodore Roosevelt Otero, Jr. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Herman Helgeson; son, William Manderfield Helgeson; and siblings: Eduardo, Pepita, and Delores. 

The funeral will begin with the rosary at the Mary Garden at St. Philip the Apostle in Morrow, OH at 9:45 am, Thursday, October 1st, 2026. A catholic mass will follow at 10:30 am in the church. The family asks that you honor her memory by saying a special prayer of thanksgiving for all the blessings in your lives.