Helen T. Yanni

Helen T. Yanni passed went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 21, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by devotion, warmth, and a gentle spirit that touched all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband Johnny P. Yanni, son Dominic Yanni, grandchildren: Matthew Yanni, and Erica Yanni.

Helen is survived by her children: David Yanni, John Edwin Yanni and wife Tina, Charlene Vargas and husband Jose; grandchildren: Andrew Vigil, Jr. and wife Lynnette, Dominque Griego and wife Joann, Marissa Campos and husband Diego, Dominic Yanni, Jr., Melissa Naylor, John Edwin Yanni, Jr. and girlfriend Samantha Baldonado; great-grandchildren: Deja, Andrew III, Angel, Angelo, Shawna, Aaliya, Mila, Zaylee, Diego Jr., Miko, Maria and boyfriend Dominic Snyder, Aaron, Giovanni Yanni, and Michael; cousins who were like a son and daughter to her Ralph and Cita Anaya.

Born on September 14, 1940, a lifelong resident of San Jose, Helen was deeply rooted in the community she called home for her entire life. She carried with her the steady values of kindness, hard work, and family devotion, and she shared those values freely with the people around her. Those who knew Helen remember her as someone who welcomed others with a kind heart and a reassuring presence. She lived a life defined not by grand gestures, but by the everyday acts of care and love that made a lasting difference.

Helen was a good mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and those roles were among the most important in her life. She gave her children and grandchildren love, guidance, and support, and she was proud of the family she helped nurture. Her home was a place where love was shown through simple but meaningful things, including good meals, thoughtful conversation, and the comfort of knowing someone was always there. Her family will remember her for the strength she showed, the patience she offered, and the steady example she set through her actions.

Helen found joy in cooking and baking, and she expressed her care for others through the meals and treats she prepared. She enjoyed bringing people together around the table, where food became a way to share time, laughter, and connection. Her love of arts and crafts reflected her creative spirit and her appreciation for making beautiful things with her hands. Whether she was working on a project, preparing a favorite recipe, or tending to the details of a household, Helen approached each task with care and pride.

She especially loved children, and her affection for them was evident to everyone around her. Helen had a natural warmth that made young people feel comfortable and valued. Her gentle manner and kind smile helped create a sense of safety and joy wherever she was. She also enjoyed fishing, a pastime that gave her moments of peace and reflection. Whether near the water or simply thinking about time spent outdoors, Helen appreciated the quiet pleasures of life and the memories they created.

Helen loved going to California and Disneyland, and those trips brought her great happiness. She enjoyed the wonder, excitement, and sense of fun that these places represented, and she cherished the memories made there. She also had a special fondness for angels and collected them over the years. Her collection reflected her love of beauty, meaning, and the comforting symbols that brought her peace. These interests were part of what made Helen unique, and they added richness and joy to her life.

Music also held a special place in Helen’s heart, and her favorite song was “This Little Light of Mine.” The song suited her well, because Helen carried herself with a quiet brightness that others could feel. Her life reflected the spirit of that beloved hymn, as she offered light through her kindness, her faith, and her loving presence. She had a way of making others feel uplifted, and her memory will continue to shine in the hearts of those who knew her.

Helen T. Yanni will be remembered with love and gratitude by all whose lives she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion to family, appreciation for simple joys, and a life lived with grace and sincerity. Her memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration, and she will be dearly missed by family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Helen's Life Celebration will begin with a Visitation on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 6:00pm at Salazar Mortuary located at 400 Third St. SW, 87102. Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm. Service will take place on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 10:00am at Salazar Mortuary. Helen will then be laid to rest at Mount Calvary Cemetery located at 1900 Edith Blvd. NE, 87102. Reception will follow inside Salazar Mortuary's Event Center.