Helen Shizuko Tsudama was born in Stockton, CA on June 13, 1922 to Mataki and Hide Shimasaki. Her parents were farmers and while they worked, she took care of her 3 brothers, Shoji, Kazuya, and Hideki. Shortly after graduating from Stockton High School in 1941, Helen and her family were taken to the Stockton Assembly Center and then transferred to the Gila River Internment camp in Arizona in 1942.
In 1944, Helen married Jack Haruo Tsudama. She then joined him in Gainesville, TX where he was stationed with the 442nd Regiment of the US Army. Helen later traveled to Alamosa, CO to live with Jack’s parents. After completing his service, Jack joined Helen in Colorado where they welcomed their son, Martin, in 1946, daughter Sandra in 1948, and son Robert in 1952.
Helen and Jack moved their family to Fresno in April 1953. She raised her kids while working as a housekeeper before joining GW School Supply. Helen retired in March 2001 after 37 years with the company.
Post-Retirement, she enjoyed gardening, watching sports on TV, going to church functions, and spending time with her family & friends.
Helen passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family in Gardena, CA on May 5, 2023 of natural causes. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brothers. She is survived by her son Martin (Roberta), daughter Sandra (Michael), and son Robert (Gaye). She is also survived by her 8 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Fresno Buddhist Temple located at 2690 E. Alluvial Ave, Fresno CA, 93720.
