SATO, HELEN CHIZUKO, 94, passed away peacefully on 12-14-2015, just 2 days shy of 95.

She was born in Tulare, CA, the first child of Kosaburo and Kayo Arita.

She is survived by her loving, devoted husband of 70 years, Hiro Sato, her daughter, Rosalind Winter, granddaughter, Leslie Winter (Gavin Bishop), and her great-grandchild, Ryan Bishop. She is also survived by her sister, Masako Ishioka (Toshio Ishioka). She was pre-deceased by her siblings Kaneto Arita, Kiyoko Kawahata, and Toshio Arita. Her extended family includes many nieces, nephews, and their children.

Helen grew up in Delano, CA. She worked tirelessly in the family-owned restaurant, learning how to be a great cook. She was known for her delicious meals, and the pleasure she took in making sure everyone ate well.

After high school, she went to sewing school in San Francisco. She was a meticulous, creative seamstress. She made custom clothes for family and friends, including the wedding gowns for three brides and their bridesmaids.

At the onset of World War II, she was interned with her family at the Poston 1, AZ camp. When she was able to leave camp, she went to Chicago where she worked, in an ironic twist of fate, in a US Defense plant. It was there that she met Hiro. They married in 1945 and were together for the next 70 years. They lived in Oakland, and were active members of the Buddhist Church of Oakland for many years. Later in life, Helen took her greatest joy in babysitting Leslie, teaching her many skills from her birth until she went off to college.

Helen had a long, full life and will be missed.

A private memorial service was held.