Hiroko "Helo" Watkins

Mrs. Hiroko Watkins, age 89, of Atwater, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, at her home. Hiroko, known as "Helo" by friends was born August 24, 1935 in Taira Japan, a daughter of the late Masaaki and Shige Tsuda of Japan.

Helo was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Herman, daughter Yukari Lisa and grandson Spenser. Helo is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law Michael and Camille Watkins of Winnetka, Douglas Watkins of Atwater, and Gregory and Linda Watkins of Clovis. Helo is also survived by sisters Ayako and Chieko of Japan and several other siblings. Grandchildren are Michael S. and Michelle of Los Angeles, Karlyn Watkins of Winnetka and Nicholas Watkins of Austin. The first great grandchild is due in June.

As the wife of a career Air Force airman, Helo took the role of being the center of the family. In addition to raising four children, she coordinated numerous military moves ranging from Johnson AB Japan, KI Sawyer MI, Loring AB ME, Clark AB Philippines, Altus AFB OK, to Castle AFB CA.

She loved decorating her home for the holidays and her favorites were Halloween and Christmas. She also enjoyed ceramics, macrame, sewing, paper crafts, tennis, swimming, Hawaiian dancing, gardening, photography, karate (in her 60s) to her lifelong passion of yoga.

A celebration of life will be held at 1100 am on February 24, 2025 at Wilson Family Funeral Chapel, 1290 Winton Way, Atwater CA. 

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