Helen Diana Najera

Helen Najera, a long-time resident of Los Angeles, left this earth on 10/21/2020. She is survived by her sister Elizabeth and Wayne Wilson, nephew Carlos and Janice Najera; nieces and nephew Shannon Wilson-Weides, Mallorie Wilson and Brandon Wilson; many nieces and nephews from the Najera side of the family; Maria Nieto who was considered part of the family and loved Aunt Helen dearly; and Piper her furbaby boxer.

Helen's dad, Stephen Kakasuleff, immigrated to the USA from Macedonia to where his family had a farm in Indiana. Helen was raised by Stephen and her earthly mother, Anne George. At the tender age of 16, Helen decided to leave her family home and travel across the country with her older brother Danny to LA to start a new life where she met her soulmate and lifelong husband, Fernando (Ferny). Fernando was a WWII Veteran, awarded the purple heart and went on to serve 22 years with the LAPD. Helen was preceded in death by Fernando Najera (husband), Anne George (earthly mother), Danny Kakasuleff (brother), Christopher Kakasuleff (brother), and Carl Kakasuleff (brother).

All of those that had the opportunity to meet Helen would say she was a talented hostess. In Fernando's LAPD days, she always had an open door to hosting Ferny's fellow officers to poker nights, and they enjoyed her delicious cooking. Helen was known for her fabulous cooking skills which no one could truly duplicate. Just as talented as she was in the kitchen, she was talented with cards. Her favorites being Gin Rummy and Solitaire. Those who played her in Gin Rummy knew if you beat her, it was an off day for her and that she'd come back to defeat you with a vengeance the next time. Helen and Fernando enjoyed their retirement years traveling the USA in their RV, visiting 48 states!

For all her friends and family, her presence will be greatly missed. Our sadness is met with comfort knowing that she is finally reunited in death with the love of her life, Fernando, and all her family.