Helen Jane Stokes, 90, passed away peacefully at Modesto’s Garden City Healthcare Center early Saturday morning, Dec. 15. 

Helen is preceded in death by all of her siblings, Mary Solito, Josephine Bufalini, Joseph Palmer, Jr., and Clara Sauro Perko. She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, spent the first years of her life in Villarosa, Sicily, then returned at age 15 to Pennsylvania.  Helen has lived in California for 46 years, 30 of them in Manteca.

She is survived by her cherished husband of 34 years, Jack Stokes, her loving sons Ronald Sauro and his wife Bonita, John Sauro and his wife Kay, and Perry Sauro and his wife Julie.  Helen had four grandchildren: Theresa Meyers, John Joseph, Richard, and Steven Sauro; and also eight great-grandchildren: Chloe and Quinn Meyers, and John Joseph, Caleb, Noah, Hailie, Evan, and Joshua Sauro.

She is also survived by many family members across the country and throughout Italy whom she would often visit.

Helen had an exuberant zest for life, dancing and having fun, exceeded only by her passionate love for family and friends, keeping them always in her heart.

We who are left will keep her always in our hearts and will miss her greatly.

There will be a viewing at P.L. Fry and Son Funeral Home, 290 N Union Road in Manteca, from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 18, with another viewing the next day beginning at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 19, followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service at the funeral home.  Helen’s family will then travel to Lodi Memorial Park, 5750 E Pine Street in Lodi for a brief committal service, where friends are also very welcome.  Flowers or donations may be sent to the P.L. Fry and Son Funeral Home; 290 N. Union Rd, Manteca, CA 95337.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Monday, Dec. 17, 2012