To view Helen's Memorial Liturgy, please click HERE.

Helen E. Tadjalli, 66, of Sanford, NC died on July 12, 2026 after a long and courageous battle with Spinocerebellar Ataxia peacefully at home looking out at the lake with Karen at her side holding her hand.

Helen, the daughter of Angelina Pereperez and Paul Tadjalli was born October 08, 1959 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  She grew up in Spain graduating from The University of Navara Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Residency, Baylor College of Medicine and University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center fellowships.  She was an American Board Plastic Surgeon and American Board Hand Surgeon.   She was known for being direct, thorough, honest and compassionate about her patients throughout her medical career.

While in Medical school she loved traveling, skiing the French Alps, flying Cessna planes.  After she retired, she enjoyed cooking, being out on the lake and trying to read the minds of her cats (Thelma and Louise).  She was a great person, brave, a fighter and generous. She radiated joy, even while suffering her illness.  She never complained, despite having a reason to do so.  She will be greatly missed by her cousins and childhood friends in Valencia, Spain. Amherst friends of St. Louis, MO and Carolina Trace friends of NC.

She is survived by Karen Leinhauser her lifelong friend of 34 years Sanford, NC, sister in laws,   brother in laws, nephew and nieces.

She is preceded in death by her parents Angelina Pereperez and Paul Tadjalli, Aunt Mabelle and Aunt Cuca and her grandparents.

Reception will follow at St. Michaels Catholic Church for family and friends.

Virtual: For those unable to attend: a link will be provided at a later date..

In Lieu of flowers:  M emorials preferred to the National Ataxia Foundation, PO Box 27986 Golden Valley, MN 55427 https://www.ataxia.org/ways-to-give/ 763-553-0020

Memorial Mass: 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2026 in St. Michael's Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation and Family Greeting: One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Friday.
Interment: Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.