Obituary of Helen Hisako Takahashi

Helen Hisako Takahashi of Eaton, CO passed away peacefully at home on September 10, 2023 surrounded by her four children.

Helen was born on June 21, 1924 to Asamatsu and Kiso (Tanaka) Yamada on a farm in Ovid, CO where she attended first through fourth grades. As an 8th grader, in 1938, she was the Sedgwick County Spelling champion and participated in the state Spelling Bee in Denver. Her family moved to the Atwood-Merino area and she graduated from Atwood High School in 1942.  After graduation, Helen attended Barnes Business College and worked in Denver.

On January 21, 1948 Helen was united in marriage to Charles Hanji Takahashi. She was a dedicated farmers wife and mother, raising four children. In 1970 her and Charles sold the farm and moved to Eaton. Using her business skills, Helen worked for 32 years at North Colorado Medical Center’s Department of Radiology in Greeley as a Medical Transcriptionist. Her family was so proud when she received the honor as Employee of the Month in July 1989.

Helen was a member of the Greeley Buddhist Temple. She and Charles were inseparable, always looking forward to spending time with their children and grandchildren. She was dedicated to her children, traveling across the country to be with them to share special events throughout their careers. She traveled to Augusta, Georgia and was surprised and honored to pin on the rank of Colonel for Colleen’s promotion ceremony. Helen worked tirelessly, whether on the farm or at NCMC. She worked until the age of 75, instilling a legacy of hard work, determination, kindness, education, and inspiration.

Helen is survived by her four children Janelle and Colleen Takahashi of Eaton, Gary (Julie) Takahashi of Dayton, Ohio; Bruce (Joy) Takahashi of Glendale, Arizona; granddaughters Grace and Camlyn Takahashi; and dear sister Irene Tomoi of San Diego, California and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her four infant brothers, husband Charles, adult brother Harry Yamada and sisters Asako Morinaka and Margaret Miyasaki.

A private graveside service will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Linn Gove Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 21, 2023 at the Adamson Life Celebration Home with a reception to follow.