Helen Yanamura Obituary

HELEN SACHIKO YANAMURA Age 92, rose to meet her Lord on May 26, 2023. Helen was the daughter of Eishin and Yoshiko Yamauchi. In 1952, she married her life partner, Kenneth Yanamura. Helen raised 4 children while Kenneth served in the US Army. Together, they traveled the world. A woman of boundless energy and a giving heart, she made a positive impact by doing volunteer work in every community where they lived. She was a talented baker, cake decorator, cook, and seamstress. In addition to volunteer work, she sewed countless outfits for family members and tiny Barbie outfits. She was skilled at painting, Ikebana and Ikenobu flower arrangement, and gardening. When Kenneth retired from the Army, they returned to the Islands where she took a job with the Hickam Library. After over 20 years there, she retired at the age of 72. She did not sit still in retirement. She immediately started doing volunteer work. One of her lasting legacies was quilting and crafting, donating hundreds of quilts and other handmade crafts to Keiki Aloha Quilts, Hawaii's Plantation Village, and the Hawai'i Pacific Health Volunteer Services. Her volunteer hours numbered over 9,300 with Hawai'i Pacific Health alone. She and Kenneth continued their travels, often taking family members with them, visiting every continent except Australia and Antarctica. They especially enjoyed UH Women's Volleyball, following them to their games all across the country. Helen was predeceased by her parents, Eishin and Yoshiko Yamauchi, sister Florence Ishikawa, brothers George and Richard. She is survived by Kenneth Yanamura, sons Wayne (Beth), and Gary (Jennie), daughters Kathi, Lisa Hunter (Matt), grandchildren Katy, Daniel (Cedar), Stephen, and Naash (ReBecca), and great-grandchildren Hania, Mariko, and Mair?ad Richey. Also, sister Dorothy Nada, Dr. Doris (Willie) Ching, Thomas (Joann) Yamauchi and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2023, 4:00 PM at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Visitation is at 3:00 pm. In lieu of gifts, her family suggests a donation to Hawaii United Okinawa Association in Memory of Helen Sachiko Yamauchi Yanamura, 94-587 Ukee St, Waipahu, HI 96797. Live streaming will be available during the service. Email [email protected] for instructions. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary