Kaneko, Helen N.

July 8, 1916 – June 29, 2013
Helen passed away peacefully at her home in Sherman Oaks, CA just short of her 97th birthday. Born Helen Hisako Nanbara in Gering, Nebraska, she graduated from high school at the top of her class, although, because of the times, she was not given the title of Valedictorian. She traveled to Japan with her sister, Lois, to attend Tokyo Joshidai University and was among the first class of "foreign" students allowed to enroll in the prestigious university.

Preceded in death by her husband, John, she is survived by her children: Chris (Jo Brockway) of Seattle, WA; Janet (Paolo Equinozio) of Sherman Oaks; Kevin (Gail) of Torrance, and Roger of Sherman Oaks; seven grandchildren Marianna (Hernan Lauber) and Caterina (Nicolas McConnell), Calen (Alicia) Kaneko and Alia (Sasha Rosenfeld) Kaneko, Scott, Mari, and Robb Kaneko, one great-granddaughter, Eliana; her sister, Lily Ikuta of North Hollywood, and many nieces and nephews.

Her family would like to acknowledge the loving care and professional attention given Helen by her long-term caregivers, Teresita "Tessie" Pepito, Rosalie Corpuz Dupris, and, especially, Josefina "Josie" Aquino.

Private services were held on Saturday, July 6 at Fukui Mortuary "Chapel in the Garden" in Los Angeles.

In lieu of koden or flowers, consider donations to the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center or a favorite organization.