Helen Marie Gerdano

Helen Marie Joanne Bottini Gerdano

November 12, 1924 – September 30, 2025

Helen Marie Joanne Bottini Gerdano was reunited with her family on the morning of September 30, 2025. Just six weeks shy of her 101st birthday, Helen lived a remarkable life filled with family, friends, and Faith.

Born on November 12, 1924, in Rome, New York, to Julio and Rosa Santamassino Bottini, Helen understood the meaning of family from the very beginning. The youngest of ten children, she grew up surrounded by her siblings: Magdeline “Nellie” Eadecola, Antoinette Esposito, Louise Moccaldi, Anna Morinitti, Carmela Campese, Assunta “Sadie” Monaco, Joseph Bottini, Paul Bottini, and Dorothy DiStefano.

Helen is survived by her three children: daughter Donna Marie Donald; son Joseph James Gerdano and daughter-in-law Sue Gerdano; and daughter Cynthia Ann Roth and son-in-law Bob Roth. She was a proud grandmother to six: Joanna Lynn Horning, KC Marie Knox and husband Ted Knox, Shannon Marie Fullove and husband Matt Fullove, Robert Francis Roth and wife Katelyn Lindsey Roth, Jennifer Ann Feinberg and husband Jeff Feinberg, and Connor Michael Roth. She also cherished her five great-grandchildren: Kitara Camille Horning, Theodore White Knox IV, Logan Donald Horning, Kaitlynn Marie Knox, and Emery James Fullove.

On July 29, 1950, Helen married and began building a life centered on family. In 1957, she and her husband made their first move to California, later returning briefly to Utica before settling permanently in California in 1959. There, Helen’s hard work and entrepreneurial spirit led to the opening of Peppi’s Pizza in Van Nuys in 1964. She later became part of the campus community at California State University, Northridge, where she formed countless friendships and gathered stories that she carried with her for life. After retiring in 1990, she embraced what she considered her greatest role: family matriarch. Sunday dinners were never optional, and her home was the heart of every gathering. Her recipes and traditions will continue to nourish and unite the family she loved so deeply.

Helen’s friendships extended far beyond her immediate family. The Caiola family, the Harrison family, cherished neighbors, coworkers, and in-laws all became part of her extended circle, welcomed at her table as if they were her own.

She lived life to the fullest and never wanted to miss out on anything happening around her. She delighted in the milestones of her children and grandchildren and especially loved hearing about her great-grandchildren’s lives—even if she didn’t always understand the details, she would smile, say “good for you,” and encourage them wholeheartedly. Helen enjoyed trips to the casino, where she favored the penny slots (or nickel slots if she was feeling adventurous). She also treasured playing cards with her friendship club and hosting luncheons, where she cooked her favorite Italian classics. Without fail, she ended every night with a glass of Chianti and See’s candy.

Though distance separated her from her New York family, Helen maintained close connections through frequent calls and regular visits. Those reunions were always filled with food, laughter, and shared stories. Her special bonds with Rosemary, Denise, Adele, and Helen were truly remarkable. She will be deeply missed. Helen will be laid to rest at St. Agnes Cemetery in Utica, New York.

Services will be held in Simi Valley, California, at Rose Family Funeral Homes on October 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow. The family welcomes re-pottable plants and vibrant arrangements as a symbol of Helen’s enduring presence in the lives she touched.