Helen (Mendonca) Justino
Obituary
Helen (Mendonça) Justino, departed this world on Sunday, April 30, 2023, with family close by. At 101, she held strongly to her life and the loved ones that remained. The memory of her spirit, vigor and endless love for her family will live on through countless memories.
Born June 26, 1921 in Hayward, Calif., on the farm of her parents the late Antone and Rose Mendonça. She was raised in this pastoral setting amongst farm animals, orchards and vegetable gardens alongside her four siblings (predeceased).
Spry and pluck, she navigated the harvests and adventures of the countryside. Letting her opinion be known with her quick wit yet angelic face. Raised in a deeply rooted Catholic family, her faith in God anchored and comforted her throughout her life. It also gave place for her to share her radiant voice in the St. Catherine's church choir in Morgan Hill, where she sang for many decades.
It was upon marrying the affable and kind hearted, Anthony Justino (predeceased) that they moved to Morgan Hill. Together, they bought acreage and built their homestead whilst creating A & H Quality Egg Ranch. This marked the beginning of a loving and exemplary marriage that lasted 65 years. From this union came her two children, Janice and Gary.
Throughout her life she continuously nurtured and brought endless love and support to her family. Her warm hugs and gentle peppering of kisses, alongside her classic chocolate chip cookies, brought joy to many. Her love of song and square dancing, including quite an impressive yodel, will live on in the memories of those she touched.
She is survived by her adoring family, including her children, Janice Guglielmo and Gary Justino; son in law, George Guglielmo; grandchildren, Cristina Guglielmo-Maggetti (Chris Maggetti), Alisa Guglielmo (Craig Whitt), Michelle Maccarra (Tim Maccarra) and Jenece Guglielmo (Bruno Bowden); and seven great-grandchildren. Along with her many loving nieces, nephews and countless friends, many who will be welcoming her to the beyond.
Services were held in Morgan Hill.
In place of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to either:
St. Catherine's Building Fund | https://stca.org/pledgepayments
Cure Alzheimer's Fund | https://curealz.org/giving/donate/
Published in Morgan Hill Times · May 9, 2023