Helen M. Tanita

Helen Masako Tanita, homemaker and family woman, lived much of her life in Glendale, Arizona. In 2008, she moved to Los Alamitos, California where she lived with her daughter, Sandi, for 12 years. After Watty passed, she moved to an assisted living facility in Glendale, Arizona where she resided until her passing at the age of 92 on February 19, 2023 from complications of Alzheimer’s.

Helen is survived by her sister, Mary, her children, Gene (and wife, Cindy), Stan, and Sandi (and husband, Bob), her grandchildren John, Robbie, Alexis (and husband, Trevor), Brandon, Wes, Leah (and husband, Dave), Tanya, and Stan, Jr., great-grandchildren Kiana, Anthony, Bella, Phoenix, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was born on January 16, 1931 in Chalfant, California to Takeshi and Rio Tamura. In May 1942, she and her family, including older sisters Florence Szigeti and Mary Torabayashi, were sent to Poston War Relocation Center where they were held until November, 1945. From Poston, she moved to Glendale, Arizona where she met and married Wataru Tanita on May 14, 1949.

Helen enjoyed traveling with Watty, and visiting with family and friends. She particularly enjoyed visiting extended family in Fukushima, Japan in 1993. Helen also enjoyed family time in Sedona, Denver and California. She was happiest when with family.

Known for her creative abilities, Helen designed and fashioned an assortment of crafts, including Japanese dolls, beaded flowers, decoupage furniture, embroidery, and clothing of Japanese design. Her creative mind and artistic ability are her signature talent. So many of these beautiful creations still adorn our homes.

Helen was a phenomenal cook and baker. Her legendary cream puffs and English Toffee were the highlight of many celebrations. Cooking skills included traditional Japanese food which was showcased in her New Year’s Day celebrations for many, many years. She was also known for her prime rib, cioppino, ginger chicken and other specialties.

At her core, Helen was the consummate host. She had the knack of making everyone feel at home, often catering to various individual appetites. For 70 years, she cared for Watty in her own special way. No matter where she was, her first instinct was to care for others. This desire continued in her final years in the assisted living facility where she would invite other residents to her room for snacks and goodies.

Wherever she lived, Helen was dedicated to her church. She attended Phoenix Free Methodist Church until 2008, when she began attending the Anaheim Free Methodist once she moved to California. She was a devout Christian throughout her entire life.

Helen will be remembered for her infectious smile, her selfless manner, her fierce love of family and her overriding commitment to ensuring that the lives of everyone around her were made better.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on May 6, 2023 at West Resthaven Funeral Home, located at 6450 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale, Arizona 85301. Helen and Watty will be laid to rest together followed by a reception at 12noon at the JACL hall on 5414 W. Glenn Dr., Glendale, Arizona 85301.