Helen Ann Barreto

Helen Ann Barreto, 83, of Topeka, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at her home.

She was born October 6, 1942, in Topeka, to Joseph H. Muñoz who passed away when Helen was 6 years old and Loretta (Mendez Reyes) Salinas. Helen was also raised by her stepfather, Frank Araiza Salinas. She grew up in Topeka and graduated from Topeka High School in 1960.

Helen served in the United States Army Reserves. She worked for CASA Restaurant for 25 years where customers and coworkers became family. Helen had a long career in the medical field where she enjoyed working at Memorial Hospital, The University of Kansas Hospital St. Francis Campus, and Stormont Vail Health.

She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, and was active in Altar Society, and volunteering at Fiesta. She served on the Fiesta Committee as Queen Candidate Coordinator, Church Council, and created the Fiesta House Decorating Contest.

Helen enjoyed walking, volunteering, reading, puzzles, watching the Hallmark Channel and sporting events. Her passions were K-State athletics, cooking, and salsa dancing. You could always find her at her children's and grandchildren’s events.

She married Guillermo Hernandez Barreto in 1972, they later divorced. He passed away in 1995.

Survivors include her son, Joseph G. Muñoz and wife Jennifer; daughter, Rosa R. Cavazos; grandchildren, Sage Cavazos, Luke Cavazos, Hope Cavazos, Faith Cavazos, Cori Morris and husband Chris, Amanda Muñoz; Katilyn Lesperance and Aaron Neal; great grandchildren, Mya Morris, Elianna Morris, and Sophia Morris, Addison Morris, Caden Morris, and Liam Vandewater; sister, Helen M. Salinas; sister-in-law, Josie Muñoz; as well as nephews, Robert Muñoz and wife Regan, Ryan Muñoz and wife Rachel, Rolando Muñoz and wife Leslie, Randy Muñoz, Richard Muñoz; great nieces, great nephews, and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert H. Muñoz; and nephew Rodney Muñoz.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 21, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, with a rosary prayed at 7:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am, Wednesday, July 22, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions should be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church or The Alzheimer’s Association, and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.