Helen Sasaki

Helen Toshiko (Yokoi) Sasaki, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 87.

Born in Stockton, California, to Frank Noriyasu and Yuki (Sato) Yokoi, she was the eldest of five siblings and grew up on the family farm in Linden, helping with the cherry and walnut orchards and vegetable crops. From a young age, she learned the values of hard work, family, and community—qualities that would guide her throughout her life.

Her childhood was marked by both resilience and grace, especially during the years when her family was forcibly relocated to the Rohwer internment camp in Arkansas during World War II. Returning to California after the war, she graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School in 1955 (tied for first in her class) and earned her degree and teaching credential from Sacramento State University. She began her teaching career at McClatchy High School and later taught at Stockton’s Edison High School.

In 1962, she married Rev. LaVerne Senyo Sasaki, the assistant minister of the Stockton Buddhist Church, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in gassho, gratitude, and love. Together they raised five children—Brian, Sharon, Stanton, Ellen, and Rina—while LaVerne continued his ministry. As a minister’s wife, she played an integral role in temple life: helping with the Buddhist Women’s Association, teaching Dharma School, arranging flowers for the altar, playing the organ, singing in the choir, and creating a warm, welcoming space for the temple community.

She embodied a spirit of boundless love, always putting her family and community first, offering support and kindness even when it wasn’t asked for or noticed. Her love was steady and unwavering, like the Buddha’s compassion—guiding, nurturing, and sustaining all those around her.

Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world, and she was endlessly proud of each of them. Known as “Baachan,” she was the heart of the family—always ready with a warm hug, a sweet treat, or a kind word.

She also found joy in traveling the world with LaVerne, exploring national parks, listening to music, cooking delicious meals, sewing, casino trips, and savoring an apple fritter with a cup of Peet’s coffee.

She is survived by her children Brian (Lorin) Sasaki, Sharon (Robert) Yamamoto, Stanton (Lisa) Sasaki, Ellen (Gus) Maseba, and Rina (Eric) Vignola; her thirteen grandchildren; her siblings Florence, Margaret, Tom, and Steve; and a wide circle of family and friends who were touched by her kindness

Funeral services will be held at the Mtn.View Buddhist Temple located at 575 N. Shoreline Blvd on Sunday, June 22nd at 2 pm.