Helen Recomio Bernardo entered eternal life peacefully on Saturday, August 26, 2023. She was born on May 3,1930 in Sacramento, California, the only child to Polinar and Mercedes Recomio. The daughter of farmworkers, Helen grew up in Marysville, Imperial Valley, and Bell Gardens before moving to Stockton in the early 40’s. Helen attended St. Mary’s High School and attained her AA degree from Compton Jr. College. She met Jose Bernardo in Stockton, and they married in 1950, celebrating 68 years of marriage before Jose passed in 2018. Helen worked at Sharpe Army Depot, at Tillie Lewis cannery, and at various Stockton Unified elementary schools as a part-time instructional assistant for more than 35 years. Her main purpose in life was caring for her husband, her children, and her home.
Helen had 7 children – Robert, Anne (Dennis), John, Mark (Lisa), Teresa (Rick), Thomas, and Marcia (Paul(d)). In addition to her beloved children and spouses, she leaves behind six cherished grandchildren – Claire, Stephen, Alexa, Jared, Emily, and Andrew.
Helen enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and was proud of their many accomplishments. She was active in her parish, enjoyed singing in the choir, and was very involved in the 3rd Order of Carmelites. Other favorite pastimes included cooking, singing, dancing, and watching TV, especially cowboy shows. She is remembered with love for her devotion to family and God, her kind and gentle nature, and her brilliant smile and contagious laugh.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 11am - 2pm with Rosary at 2pm at DeYoung Memorial Chapel, 601 N. California St., Stockton. Mass will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 10am at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 3847 N. Sutter St., Stockton. Committal will be at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery, 719 E. Harding Wy, Stockton, with a reception to follow.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.deyoungmemorialchapel.com for the Bernardo family.
