Helen R. Carles

Helen died peacefully in her Alameda home surrounded by her family. She was born in San Francisco to Croatian immigrants Andro and Marie Capor, the eldest of four children. They lived in the Marina District until the family built a home in Oakland in 1938. She was a proud graduate of Holy Names High School. Helen married Emile Carles in 1949, becoming a wife, homemaker and then mother, her true vocation. She excelled in all the domestic arts of cooking, baking, sewing, knitting and gardening. She loved antiques and had a decorator’s touch. When she was blessed with grandchildren, she became known as “Bobbie.” She was delighted with that role and even more thrilled to become a great-grandmother. Although she and her husband were able to travel to Europe, South America and Canada and throughout the United States, she enjoyed her solitude at home. An avid reader, she was content with a book and a cat on her lap. She loved watching people and was an exceptional listener, allowing her to be a mentor to friends and family of all ages.

She is survived by daughters Jeanette Zugnoni (John) and Marianne Bautista; grandchildren Paul Zugnoni (Sophie), David Zugnoni, Emily Zugnoni, Melanie Bautista and Leon Bautista; great-grandchildren Adrian Chan-Zugnoni and Elliot Chan Zugnoni. Also survived by sister Marie Natoli, sister Nancy Miloslavich (Vic) and brother Mitch Capor (Claire); nieces Diane Loftus (Mark) and Michelle Capor; nephews Mitch Miloslavich (Lonette), David Miloslavich, Nick Miloslavich, Andy Miloslavich, Vince Miloslavich and Andrew Capor. Also survived by many more extended family in the United States and Croatia. Preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Emile Carles, son-in-law Leonard Bautista, nephew Stephen Natoli and brother-in-law Joseph Natoli.

Helen’s family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care she received from Mark Hayman-Martinez RN, Julianna Ojibe and Diane Trujillo-Lopez of Crossroads Hospice. Loving care came from friend Esther P. Usison and caregivers Rosemarie Nicolabo, Pam Herrera, Justine Kolimlim, Eleonor Kolimlim, Joy Ann Racho, Carina Capistrano and Lolita de los Reyes.

Family and friends are invited to attend the services in honor of Helen.  Visitation will be held on Monday, May 23, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Greer Family Mortuary and Cremation Services, 2694 Blanding Ave., Alameda.  The Funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Philip Neri Church, 3100 Van Buren St., Alameda.  Burial will follow the Mass at Holy Sepulchre in Hayward with a reception lunch at Pier 29 Restaurant, 1148 Ballena Bay, Alameda following the burial.

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