Helen Tsuneko Hamano was born in Hilo on September 19th, 1937 to Isao and Shizuko Hamano. She was the first of seven children to arrive for them, including John Hamano, George Hamano, Mae Takamoto, James Hamano, Miles Hamano, and Emma Sousa.  She attended Waikea Kai Elementary & Intermediate and Hilo High School, where she graduated in 1955.  She was given the opportunity to attend a college preparatory program, but decided to attend Hilo Commercial College so she could help the family financially.

It was at Hilo Commercial College where she met Don Nakamura, a handsome older man from the country who had returned from serving in the army as an MP.  Upon graduating in 1957, she started working at the US Government Agricultural Stabilization office.

During this time when Don and Helen were dating, he would routinely bring boxes of mango to bribe the family.  Their courtship was lengthy and after 9 years of mangos, they decided to get married in 1964.   The next year, they built the home in which they would live for the next 50 years.

Two years later their daughter Kayleen was born in 1966, who Don said "never gave them too much trouble."  In the 1970’s, she started working for the Social Security Administration.  That was where she retired in 1995 to spend her time following Judge Lance Ito, who looked like her brother George, and the OJ Simpson trial.

In 1997, the first of two granddaughters, Darian, was born.  Deira soon followed in 2002.  They were both her pride and joy and meant everything to her.  She enjoyed taking them to the Have a Heart store in between McDonald’s runs.

During her time as a retiree, she enjoyed silk ribbon embroidery, quilting, being a line dance instructor, downloading music, and eBay shopping.  She also looked forward to meeting with her 6 ladies every Tuesday.  It was also during this time that she was able to travel to Japan twice to see the Cherry Blossoms and experience Japanese food with her younger brother and his family.  In the 50+ years they were married Don said he made all the big decisions and Helen made all the small decisions.  Amazingly, there were no big decisions.

On the morning of June 19th, 2016, she peacefully passed away at her daughter’s house surrounded by her family.  Prior to her passing, she reflected on her life and came to the conclusion that she had lived a good life.