Obituary of Helen Mc Cafferty Armanini

Our forever loving Mother peacefully ascended into heaven at 11:11am, Sunday morning with her Children, Angels, Kuro, and selected Hawaiian music at bedside. Helen was born in Toronto, Canada, moved to San Francisco at age 3 growing up with a multitude of Irish, English, and French Canadian relatives. Her Father Michael was a S.F. Police Officer and her loving Mother, Helen Mary, a Homemaker and beautiful Vocalist. Mom was educated by Sisters of Notre Dame whom invited her wide appreciation of dance and music, influencing Helen to become an accomplished piano player. As children we remember Mom preferring to play her organ. Music streamed through-out our home when Dad wasn't watching sports. Helen moved to Santa Cruz with her Mother and Brother, Bernard in 1947. She attended Holy Cross High School for Senior year, bringing understated elegance and sophistication independently to a new school. At Senior Prom, Mom debuted her 'S.F. Sense of Style' wearing a black strapless gown. As she remembers , the Nuns busily looked for a shawl until one Sister noted how beautiful she looked. Off she went to work at County Bank mastering the NCR Bookkeeping Machine, as she enjoyed a learning challenge. Next, she was introduced to SC Seahawks Linebacker, Hugo Armanini, nicknamed "Googs" and they married. She bore their first child Lynn Marie in October, 1951 and second child Douglas Joseph, in 1953. Her overwhelming love of children, compassion and generosity for all children of the world, completed Helen's purpose. As a parent Mom never angered, nor chose sides, nor said a bad word, believed we could do no wrong and encouraged us to enjoy life! Almost daily she took us to the beach and sported a dark tan, year round. She felt "Beach time with the kids" was the best part of living in Santa Cruz. Mom was easy going, nurturing, contemporary and fun. She laughed at our silliness, and drove us anywhere we asked, as often as we asked, with the patience of a Saint. Looking back, these qualities over many decades never wavered, nor did her patience or devotional love toward family and friends. Upon Lynn and Doug preparing to leave home she began working at City Hall, Planning and Building Department, until the birth of her Grandson, Christopher Kiechi, in 1989. Although our parents had vacationed in Maui, it was not until becoming a Grandmother that Mom claimed Maui her second home. The simultaneous death of her husband and birth of her Granddaughter, Bianca Lynn Miyuki, in 1995, decidedly moved her to a larger condo in Wailea, to better accommodate her family. creating more room for family! This demur e and strong woman is deeply loved by Chris and Bianca whom call her "Amma." In their final letters, Chris told her he plans to name his first girl puppy "Amma" so she will always be by his side. Bianca told her she trusts "Amma" will watch over her every golf tournament and support her from heaven. (Last month Bianca Lynn was named MVP, Girl's Golf Team, and is joining Chico State University's Golf Team, this coming fall). Helen sold the family home to begin a new found freedom in Carbonera Estates, once widowed. She never remarried. She loved to travel, she loved Ballroom dancing, growing roses, miniature bonsai and was revered a devoted Giants Fan, never missing a game. She kept current with statistics and the names and positions of players. She attended the second game of the World Series with son Douglas. Further notoriety came when she was televised getting nicked by a foul ball behind Home Plate. the sun was in Doug's eye, but he staved off a potentially serious injury. Helen was enriched through the lives of her many pets and became a devoted animal activist. Her faithful Black Lab, Kuro was her Sentinel throughout these past 23 months in Aptos. Son-in-law, Cal Ponzini agreed to adopt Kuro which left Helen smiling with comfort and great pleasure. She is survived by her Daughter Lynn Armanini-Ponzini and Son-in- law James Cal Ponzini of Aptos. Her Son Douglas Joseph Armanini, Daughter- in- law Faith Armanini, Grandson Christopher and Granddaughter Bianca Lynn Armanini of Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii. Brother-in-Law, Joseph Armanini of El Cerrito, Nephew Scott Armanini of San Ramon, Niece Laurel Tronolone of Palos Verdes, and Niece Valerie Reed of Scotts Valley. Arrangements were provided privately by Benito and Azzaro. Helen's Vigil (Rosary) was conducted by Patrick Conway, Deacon of Resurrection Church whom specially sang for her 'The Irish Blessing.' Hawaiian music by 'Hapa and 'Amy Hanaiali'I, Aumakua' filled the Chapel. Vocalist Aaron Kaswen, sang 'Danny Boy' and 'The Prayer', which was accompanied by Natalie Brugler on the Violin, First Chair Cabrillo Suzuki Orchestra. A Mass of Catholic Christian Burial was conducted by Father Mike Marini (former Holy Cross classmate)at the Holy Cross Mission on July 12, 2012. Diane Mc Caul was Cantor for the Mass and Sister Barbara, Head of Liturgy filled the Mission with beautiful organ music. Ms. Eri Ishigaki, Violinist from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music provided classical songs during Mass along with processional and recessional violin. A beautiful portrayal of Helen, as a 'Second Mother', was shared by Anita Scoppettone- Carlson. Committal services were concluded at Holy Cross Cemetery-Mausoleum where our kind and loving Mother will rest, facing the sun, in Building No. 4, Crypt No. 10 resting next to her Mother, Helen Mary Mc Cafferty. Our family appreciates all the outpouring of love toward Mother and especially those whom had opportunity to visit personally. Our deepest thanks for all your meaningful sentiments. A Life Celebration in Helen's Honor will be forthcoming upon her Grandchildren, Daughter-in-law, and Son arriving back on Mainland. "Mom you've touched our lives in more ways than you'll ever know. We love you Mom and always will". Lynnie Marie and Dougie Joe.