Helen Chiyeko Yamamoto

During WW II, Helen was interned at Heart Mountain, Wyoming. From there, she got a job as a nanny for a family in Kansas City, Mo., where she met Keny Yamamoto. They were married in Monterey, Ca., where Keny was stationed and Helen worked in a sardine factory.

Keny and Helen bought a ranch in Selma, Ca. Working side by side, they raised grapes, plums, and oranges. Over 30 years later, they moved into the city of Selma, then moved to Fresno. They took many trips to the coast together to catch perch, dig for clams, and search for abalone. They also enjoyed fishing at Eagle Lake and Pyramid Lake.

Helen was an accomplished seamstress, making clothes for herself and her two daughters, Kathleen and Jenny.

She learned to cook Armenian and Mexican dishes from farm neighbors and Chinese and Korean dishes. She could make sushi, shish kebab, and egg foo yung and even attempted tortillas.

For five years, Helen called Assisted Living at Carrington Pointe her home. Right to the day she died, she enjoyed the exercise, craft, and biography classes, Bingo, social events, and church services they provided. She thrived at Carrington because of the watchful and caring staff and the many friends she made.

Helen was preceded in death by her sister Miye; and Keny her husband of 64 years.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen and husband Mike Markovich of Fresno; daughter, Jenny and husband Tom Teraoka of Huntington Beach; brother, Ise Imamura, of Las Vegas; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the Assisted Living Staff at Carrington Pointe, Dr. William Owen, and nurse Chris for many years of care.

Remembrances may be made to the United Japanese Christian Church Building Fund, 136 N. Villa, Clovis, 93612.