Remembering Helen

On Friday, February 8, 2019, there will be a memorial for Helen Reese. We will be remembering Helen from 11-2 PM with a service in the church and a reception following in the CLC.

Helen O. Reese

July 17, 1930 – January 26, 2019

Mrs. Helen O. Reese (Kajiyama) of Milpitas, CA passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family members on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the age of 88.

Helen was born to parents Shiro and Teruko Kajiyama on July 17, 1930 in Riverside, CA.   She grew up as the eldest of six children and attended Riverside Poly High School. After high school she attended Riverside City College and eventually worked for the US Air Force at March AFB where she met her future husband. 

Helen married Robert Reese in 1963, and the couple had three children; Carol, Brian and Gary. Helen was a devoted mother and housewife and later returned to work in the local school district as a substitute secretary.  She worked for the Milpitas Unified School District in the Special Education department for 20+ years until her retirement in 2000.  After retirement she volunteered at Sacred Heart Community Services and through Mt. Olive Lutheran Church over the next two decades. She was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 101, Ladies Auxiliary.  She was very fond of gardening, sewing, crossword puzzles and an occasional bingo game.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Carol Reese; her son, Brian Reese; her sisters, Mary Civerolo and Ruth Yagura, her brother Henry Kajiyama; two grandchildren: Melissa and Jacob Reese as well as several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Reese; her son, Gary Reese, her grandson Robert (Bobby) Reese, her parents, Shiro and Teruko; her sisters, Bernice Oshita and Jane Sugi.

The family is grateful for the condolences, any flowers and donations can be made directly to her church.