Helen M. Luster, 80, a resident of Waldorf, MD, died peacefully in the presence of family on Sunday, August 21, 2011. She was born on November 22, 1930 in Tres Piedras, NM.

Mrs. Luster is survived by her sons Jeffrey and wife Christine of Waldorf, MD and Matthew and wife Gretchen of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren Gwyneth, Peter, and Cameron; brother Felix Gonzales of Antonito, CO; sister Christine Juveland of Los Alamos, NM; sister-in-law Eva Gonzales of Pueblo, CO; niece Margaret Jowers of Albuquerque, NM; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Maclovio and Clara Gonzales; sisters Emma, Dora, Emily, and Maude; and brothers Gilbert, Edd, Maclovio, and Jose.

Mrs. Luster was a long time resident of Los Alamos, NM and a retiree of the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Prior to working for the Laboratory, she was an elementary school teacher. She loved visiting and speaking to her grandchildren. While she suffered from debilitating pain for much of her life, her faith never waivered. She was an active parishioner at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish during her residency in Los Alamos. While her various illnesses prevented her from attending Mass in Waldorf, she drew much comfort and strength from the services of the Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church.

Private internment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM. The family will hold a memorial service in Los Alamos, NM in mid-September, with details to follow.

Should family or friend's desire, in lieu of flowers memorial donations should be made in her name to the Hospice of Charles County.

Arrangements handled by Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, P.A. La Plata, MD.