Jason Ortogero
Aunty Helen. One of the original and one of the last Hanaloa street moms to pass on. one of the sweetest ladies you would ever meet. She was our street unofficial mayor. She knew everyone and everything that was happening on our block. More so, in the 70's and 80's then now as neighbors moved away and new ones came in and brought in a different vibe. Our families lived next door to each other since our homes were newly built in 1971. As long as I can remember, Aunty Helen/Uncle George has always been part of our family. They were always at every family gathering, even the extended family gatherings. Aunty used to come over and just talk story with my mom, the same for uncle George and my dad. Uncle George used to sit out in the garage with my dad in the late afternoons and talk about whatever. Aunty was such a caring person. Often, when she saw me out in the yard or the garage, she would call out to me with her soft quiet voice, and tell me...."Jason, stay there, I'll be right back." I'd say okay aunty, then she would disappear into her house. Ten minutes later she would come out with a plate of food for me. And I know, whenever she made corn beef hash patties, she was going to share some with me. Because she knew that is one of my favorite things to eat. She loved her gardening too. It wasn't unusual to see her tending to her plants or out in the front yard pulling weeds. The garden she has in her back yard is full of fruit trees, all kinds of plants and flowers. All well taken cared of. Aunty Helen, Uncle George, My parents, Aunty Maggie and Uncle Wayne Soares are all missed and sadly, an end of an era.