NikkeiWest--Northern California Japanese American Newspaper

Miyoshi (Wada) Nakano
June 19, 1918 - May 19, 2011 
Miyo passed away quietly and comfortably at 92 years of age. She was born in Alameda, California to Chozo Wada and Mitsui Ito and was a member of the “Nisei” generation who endured much and achieved much. She was married to Toshiyuki Nakano, where they lived in Berkeley, California and raised their daughter, Carolyn and son, Randy. Miyo was the loving sister of Jun and Charlie Wada and the sister and best friend to Miki Sano, the loving grandma of Marissa Nakano, second mother to nephew Steven Sano, and mother-in-law to Shirlene Leong Nakano. Miyo was a proud graduate of San Francisco City College and a long-time employee of Gorman’s Furniture where she experienced the history happening on Telegraph Avenue and U.C. Berkeley. She was a life-long member of the Berkeley Buddhist Church and was active in the “Fujnkai” women’s auxiliary during the church’s annual bazaar. Also Miyo was a loyal member of the JACL. Miyo was an independent and successful woman ahead of her time. She was proud of her self-sufficiency. Her family is grateful now that she is resting, at peace, and is with her loved ones once again. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011, 11:00 A.M at the Berkeley Buddhist Church. The family requests that donations be made to “J-Sei” of Berkeley, CA. and their home delivery lunch program for seniors. And Miyo would want a final thank you to Diane, Linda, and Garrison’s, where she received wonderful care and regard. For further information contact Randy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sumiko H. Tsujimoto (Sasaki), 87, passed away peacefully on May 20 at her home in San Francisco with the love and support of all her children by her side. Sumi was born on Vashon Island, WA. She was predeceased by her husband, Fred. Beloved mother of four children, Nina (Bill) Sawasaki, Ron (Lori), Jerry (Coral), and Peggy. Extremely proud and devoted grandmother of six and great-grandmother of one. Caring sister of Gladys, Hideo, Jiro, Sally, Aki, Shiro, Henry and Marlene. Sumi grew up in Lodi, CA. In 1942 her family was interned at Rohwer Relocation Center, AR, where she graduated high school. Her family was then transferred to Tule Lake, CA in 1944 and she was given the responsibility of working as a nurse’s aide. After camp, Sumi and Fred were married on Nov. 5, 1945. In 1948 they purchased their first home in San Francisco and started a family. Both were dedicated members of the San Francisco Buddhist Church. Sumi enjoyed cruising and traveling to many destinations. Thank you, Mom, for your special gift of love, kindness, and strength you gave us that has taught us the true meaning of family. We will make you proud by passing on your integrity and loving ways. Those whose lives you touched will dearly miss you. At Mom’s request, no services will be held.  She will be inurned with her husband at the Colma City Japanese Cemetery Columbarium.

Yoko Shilling, resident of Mt. View, beloved wife of Robin Shilling for 44 years, passed away peacefully at home on May 24 after a courageous battle against ALS. She was the devoted mother of two boys, Tim and Nick, and adoring grandmother of two grandsons, Alex and Hiro. She was born in Japan and migrated to America in 1964 to further her education at a small college in the mid-west. Married in 1967, the family moved to California in 1973. She worked as an executive assistant in the International Marketing Divisions of Hewlett-Packard and Agilent Corporations. She was a keen long-distance runner and had many successes in this sport. She was very popular and outgoing, and with her wonderful cheerful and caring personality will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Tomiye Katsumoto Miyamoto, 80, resident of San Leandro, born to Jusuke and Aki Katsumoto. Survived by two sons, Wayne (Karren) and Steven (Catherine) Miyamoto, and four grandchildren.

Tomi Kohama, 98, resident of San Jose, passed away peacefully in San Jose on May 30. She was the dear wife of Ankichi Kohama for 72 years, until his passing in 2007. She is survived by her daughters Akiko Kohler (Bobby), Kazuko Bray, Kyoko Kohama (Don), son Kunio Kohama, seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her son, Yasuhide. One of Tomi and Ankichi’s proudest moments was when they became U.S. Citizens. Tomi was a long-time supporter of the Okinawa Kenjinkai and member of the JACL Senior Club of San Jose. She was also a devoted member of S.G.I. (Soka Gakkai International). Tomi was a gentle soul. She had a kind and compassionate personality and her unforgettable smile was as warm as the sun and gave everyone hope for a beautiful tomorrow.

Nobu Grace Tateishi, born in Alvarado, California, on Feb. 22, 1921. Passed away peacefully in Sacramento on June 1 at the age of 90 years. Preceded in death by her parents, Yoshikane and Toshiye Yamamoto, son-in-law Ken Tsushima, and brother Scott Yamamoto. Survived by her husband of 67 years, Stanley Tateishi, son Donald (Alice), daughters Roselyn Tamiko (Harold) Okamoto and Sharon Tsushima (Bill Fung), grandmother to Roger (Joanne) Tateishi, Marty (Pam) Tateishi, Tracy (Mike) Bailey, Jason (Denise) Okamoto, Matthew (Emiko) Tsushima, Cory (Patty) Tsushima, and Chris (Stephanie) Fung, and great-grandmother of nine. Grace worked for many years as a licensed vocational nurse in both hospitals and in a physician’s office. She enjoyed working in her garden, playing the slot machines, and making awesome cream puffs!

Yaye Florence Yoshimine, 84, resident of El Cerrito, passed away peacefully on June 6. Survived by her loving husband, Mike, sisters Toshiye Murakami and Mary Kasai (Fred) and many nieces and nephews. Flo was a happy, caring person, respected by all who knew her. She enjoyed bowling with her many friends and was very involved with her church. She will be missed dearly and never forgotten.

Setsuko Nakashima passed away peacefully on June 6. Setsuko was born June 10, 1921 in Kochi, Japan. She joins her husband, Masao, and son, Sumio, in heavenly peace. Setsuko came to California when she was six years old and attended schools in Sacramento, graduating from McClatchy High School in 1940. She and Masao were married at the relocation center prior to their internment at Tule Lake. They raised 10 children together. After their children were grown they took a couple of trips to Japan; and Setsuko fell in love with traveling. She chose to travel alone after Masao’s death in 1999, making two trips to China and another visit to Japan. When she wasn’t traveling, she enjoyed upholstering furniture and doing crafts. Family was the center of her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Setsuko is survived by her children; Hiran (Norene), Kent (Kathi), Bruce, Bryon (Wanda), Derdra Fuwa, Lance (Terry), Tye, Erin Vonada, and Les (Anita), 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons. The family wishes to thank the staffs at Greenhaven Estates and Asian Community Center Respite Program for the care they provided Setsuko.

Kazuyoshi “Ben” Ito was born in Tajimi, Gifu, Japan on Nov. 27, 1941. He came to San Francisco in 1966 and pursued a Masters in Economics at USF. In 1981, Ben started and ran Ito Enterprises Tour Company for 30 years. Ben was passionate about his Shigin group (singing Chinese poetry). He recently was a key member of the host committee for the Shigin Conference in SF on June 12. He enjoyed daily walks at Stow Lake as an unofficial caretaker, loved life, always helped others, and will be sorely missed by those whose lives he touched. Ben is survived by his wife, Minako, and his children Michael, Mihoko and Jo Jo Ito.

Janice Fumiko (Nomura) Aochi, resident of San Jose, beloved mother of four, grandmother of seven, and wife of the late Keiji Aochi, Janice passed away in her hometown of San Jose on June 7. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, ikebana, and being with family, especially her grandchildren. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, Janice retired from teaching and became a pioneer patient for successful pallidotomy and deep-brain stimulator treatments. She is survived by her children Richard (Jae) Aochi, Julie (Andy) Siauw, Gary (Christine) Aochi, and Nancy (Hamby) Aochi, and her loving grandchildren Miranda, Jason, Alison, Natalie, Jacqueline, Ethan, and Jillian, as well as her siblings Lynne, Ronald, and Susan.

Kumiko Karen Hirokawa, 83, of San Diego, CA, died June 8. She was born to the late Motaro and Teruno Kato, on October 2, 1927, in Pasadena, CA. Kumiko married Kenji Hirokawa in 1954, and they lived together in San Francisco, before relocating to San Diego in 2004. Kumiko was a devoted Christian her full life. She was a member of Christ United Presbyterian Church of San Francisco for over 50 years. She worked over 20 years as a radiology technician for Shriners Hospital. She was respected for her honesty, kindness, strong will, hard work, and appreciation of life. She liked to read, travel, sew, and create handcrafts. Kumiko is survived by her two sons: John Hirokawa, of Saratoga, CA; and Mark Hirokawa, of Poway, CA. She also is survived by four grandchildren.

Mary Shizuko Ishida (nee Mizono) of San Francisco, passed away on June 10 at age 90.

Sadao Baishiki, son of Toichi and Tsune Baishiki, was born on April 26, 1922 in Stockton and entered Nirvana on June 12 in Sacramento. A graduate of Stockton High, he received an AA degree from Stockton Junior College. During WWII, Sadao and his family were sent to the Relocation Center in Rohwer, Arkansas. He left the Relocation Center in 1944 after marrying Midori Yokoi, and subsequently served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. He retired from Sylvania/GTE after 29-1/2 years and then again from Varian after 10 years. He was a member of the Florin Buddhist Church, Florin; the Japanese American Citizens League of Sacramento and VFW Post #8985 in Sacramento. He was interested in sports, golfing, gathering abalone, and mostly bowling. Even though legally blind for the last 10 years of his life, he continued to bowl in two leagues and occasionally bowled over 200. He even received a Big 4 Split patch. Preceded in death by his sister Akie and brothers Genko and Teruo. He is survived by his wife Midori, son Rod (Katherine), daughter Yukiye, grandchildren Sei Baishiki, Tei (Mackenzie) Baishiki, Jennifer (Cory) Jarvis-Brown, and great-grandson Da’juan Stone-Jarvis.

Kiyoshi Ono, 89, born Jan. 21, 1922, in Walnut Grove, passed away on June 12. Loving husband of Violet, and cherished father of Linda (Michael). Preceded in death by parents Yosuke and Matsuno, and brothers Masao and Shigeru. Kiyoshi was a long time resident of Sacramento. During WWII he volunteered for the Army and served in the Japanese American 522nd Field Artillery Battalion. After retiring from the State of CA as an electrician, Kiyoshi enjoyed gardening, photography, and helping family and friends. His positive attitude and smile will always be remembered by the people whose lives he touched.

Michael S. Furuta, 62, of Yuba City, passed away June 14, in Yuba City. Born July 5, 1948, in Marysville. A resident of Yuba-Sutter area for 62 years. Mike was an agricultural biologist for the Sutter County Agricultural Department for 35 years. Preceded in death by his parents, George & Sumi Furuta and brother, David Furuta. Survivors include: sister, Patricia (Curtis) Atkinson, brother Alan (Teresa) Furuta Sr., nephews, Albert Luster, Robert Luster Sr., Alan (Kaci) Furuta Jr., great niece, Clara Luster, great nephew, Robert Luster Jr., and aunt, Mary Morikawa. Also, other aunts and cousins. Last, but by no means, least, Honorable Mentions are Mike’s eating partners, “Domino” and “Baby”. Mike attended and graduated from Yuba City High School, Yuba College and CSU, Chico. He also served the Armed Forces and received many awards during this time. Anyone who knew Mike knows that his best and favorite past time was fishing. Also, he enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends.

Ernest S. Iiyama, 99, died on June 15, surrounded by family and friends. Ernie’s life was marked by political activism in the Japanese American community and broader society, a love of travel, walking, and good food, and participation in a large and loving family. Born in Oakland, his family returned to Japan when he was young and he attended high school there. After graduation, Ernie moved back to the U.S. where he helped found the Oakland chapter of the Japanese Americans Citizen League (JACL) in 1934 as well as the Nisei (second-generation Japanese Americans) Young Democrats of the East Bay. In 1942, Ernie, along with more than 110,000 Japanese Americans, was ordered into a concentration camp by the U.S. government. He was elected to the camp council at both Tanforan Assembly Center and Topaz concentration camp. Ernie met his wife Chizu in Topaz. After leaving “camp” they were married and later moved to Chicago where Ernie became a machinist and a chief steward for the United Electrical Workers of America. Returning to the Bay Area in 1956, the Iiyamas joined the Contra Costa chapter of the JACL and were supporters of the Civil Rights Movement and early participants in protests against the U.S. war in Vietnam. In the 1980s the Iiyamas became active in the National Coalition for Redress and Reparation, seeking justice for the Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II. In 1983 Ernie was one of seven people who received reparations from Alameda County for being fired in 1942 because of the evacuation. Ernie and Chizu were also prominent in the National Japanese American Historical Society. They worked tirelessly to tell the truth about the internment experience, speaking for many years before audiences throughout Northern California. Ernie is survived by his wife Chizu, his daughter Laura, son Mark, and daughter Patti and son-in-law Jerry Freiwirth. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to either the National Japanese Historical Society, 1684 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94115 or J-SEI, 2126 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94704.

Lily Satow
March 9, 1925 - June 15, 2011
Born in Sacramento the eldest daughter of Toshio and Shigeko Higuchi, Lily leaves behind her devoted husband of 65 years, Susumu, and her adored children Vernon Satow, Hope Baird with husband Richard, Dawn Satow, and Richard Satow with wife Ruby. Also left to miss her are grandchildren Brandilyn, Ruby, Philip, Elizabeth, Kimiko and Kelly who were her greatest joy. She is also survived by dear brother and sister Paul Higuchi and Shizue Kubochi with husband Hiroshi and by her many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Dr. Yutaka Toyoda passed away peacefully on June 15 at his home with his family at his side. With his passing we lost a great friend, wonderful father and loving husband. “Yute” as his friends called him, was born in Marysville, California on Nov. 30, 1925 to Naochi and Fusayo Toyoda. He was a long time dentist in the Yuba City area. He developed an interest in dentistry at “Camp” at Tule Lake, California. By the time he was 16, Yute learned to do primitive root canals, fillings and extractions. After the war, he formalized his skills and graduated from the University of California Dental School at San Francisco. He then practiced dentistry as a 1st Lieutenant with the US Army Medical Corp at Fort Lewis, WA. After leaving the Army, he set up practice in Yuba City and retired in 1993. Yute loved golf, bridge, classical music, ballroom dancing with his wife Mary and baseball, especially his beloved Giants. He enjoyed the simple things in life; watching his grand kids’ concerts or little league baseball games, a glass of scotch, a meal of shoyu wieners and rice. However, he did enjoy the extravagance of good coffee (iced Starbucks double shot breve with vanilla). He is survived by his wife Mary, sisters Masuko Shimamoto and Betty Kiyoko Izumi, children Judy Coe (Dave) and Vern Toyoda (Janice), five grandchildren Casey Coe, Aaron Coe, Caity Coe, Jaime Toyoda, Griffin Toyoda and many healthy teeth in the Yuba City area. A “Celebration of Life” memorial is planned for the afternoon of July 9 in Yuba City. If you would like to attend, please email - YCToothDoc@ gmail.com so that we may email the details once the plans are finalized.

Asako Nakahara, born on Aug. 10, 1915 in Hilo, Hawaii, an only child, to Kane an Mataso Ahara. Entered Nirvana on June 15, at the age of 95 in Elk Grove. Preceded in death by husband Fumio Nakahara, sons Kay Nakahara, Garry Nakahara, daughter Sharon Otani, son-in-law Ted Yoshikawa and daughter-in-law Patti Nakahara. Survived by sons Allan (Chidori) Nakahara, Frank (Shirley) Nakahara, Jun (Karen) Nakahara, Harry Nakahara, Bill (Susan) Nakahara; daughters Nancy Nakahara, Alice (Duane) Soto, Mary (Bruce) Iwasaki, Helen Yoshikawa, Amy (David) Yamamoto, Kathy Nakahara; daughter-in-law Elaine Nakahara, son-in-law Mike Otani; 22 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Bette Morita, loving wife, mother and grandmother, died peacefully on June 15, at the age of 87. A native Sacramentan, Bette was the youngest of seven children. Bette attended Lincoln School until ninth grade, and graduated from Sacramento High School. Bette married George M. Morita, and they recently celebrated their 61st anniversary. In 1983, she retired as a Supervising Keypunch Operator with the Employment Development Department. She enjoyed going to Reno, taking care of her grandchildren and going on family trips. She was active in the Sacramento Women’s Buddhist Assn. and the VFW Post 8985 Auxiliary. She is survived by her husband George; children Priscilla (Peter) Ouchida, Richard (Joanne) Morita, Alan (Nancy) Morita, and Judy (Kirby) Morita-Joe; and grandchildren Michael Morita, Kristi Morita, Elissa Ouchida, Kevin Morita, Ashley Joe, Lauren Morita, and Courtney Joe.

Joan Y. Fujihara went home to be with the Lord on June 18. Joan was born on May 23, 1922 in Sanger, California. She grew up on an orange orchard in Sanger with her brothers Bob and Jerry and sisters Lois and Mary. She was known as one of the Kanagawa sisters that lived on the hill. She attended Fresno State for two years until her college education was interrupted by World War II and she was sent to a Japanese internment camp. While in Poston internment camp she met a missionary who invited her to church. There she asked Jesus to be her Savior. She was able to leave internment camp for a baptism in Phoenix. After the war, she married the track star, George Fujihara, on April 26, 1947. They lived on a ranch in Del Rey where they harvested raisins, peaches, and plums. She saved the biggest and best fruit to give away to her friends rather than using that for income. She also worked part time as a teacher’s aide and enjoyed working with children. She instilled in her sons the love and importance of going to church. She made sure they wore a suit and tie, with nice shoes, and hurried to get to church on time. She used to play the piano for the Sunday school. She loved to read warm hearted Christian stories and always would be seen doing cross word puzzles. Family was the most important to Joan. She loved babysitting her three grandchildren and taking the family on the annual vacation to Pismo Beach. Another favorite family outing was eating homemade Japanese food while fishing at the lake or the pier. Joan had a servant’s heart, and was always the first to get up to wash the dishes. She always thought of others before herself and her generosity and kindness were known by all. She was very gracious and warmly greeted everyone she met, but loved her family most of all. She will be greatly missed by her family. She will be remembered by George, her husband of 64 years, her children Richard; Mark and his wife Alicia; Glenn and his wife Mary Ann and grandchildren Julie and her husband Jordan, April and David.

The Hotta family is sad to announce the passing of Emiko Hotta, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, on June 19 at the age of 81. She is preceded in death by her husband Eugene Hotta and leaves behind her loving children Naomi, Harvey, JoAnn (William), and Willis, her grandchild, Melissa (Allen); and her great-grandchildren, Kylee and Leah.

Sister Mary Carmen Sugiyama, RSM in Oakland on June 19, at the age of 92. Born in San Francisco, Miwako Ruth was the daughter of Japanese immigrants Ichijiro Sugiyama and Tetsu Minobe Sugiyama. She grew up in San Francisco, the only girl among her three brothers and several boy cousins, and graduated from Commerce High School in 1937. Visiting relatives in Japan in December of 1941, as an American citizen she was unable to return to the United States for the duration of the war. After her return to San Francisco she enrolled in St. Mary’s College of Nursing where she met the Sisters of Mercy. She entered the community in Burlingame in 1952, received the religious name of Sister Mary Carmen, and after professing her vows in 1954 spent the next nine years nursing at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. In 1965 Sister Carmen completed studies for a B.S.N. at the University of San Francisco, and spent the next thirteen years nursing at Mercy Medical Center, San Diego. She was known for her expert medical knowledge and diagnostic insight. Sister Carmen was an artist, producing beautiful Japanese brush paintings and elegant wood sculptures. In 1978 she studied art at the College of Notre Dame in Belmont, Calif., receiving an M.A. in art in 1982. Her Japanese brush paintings and wood sculptures are displayed at Mercy Convent, Mercy Center and Marian Oaks on the Sisters of Mercy Campus in Burlingame. Sister Carmen then volunteered as art therapist for twelve years at Crystal Springs Rehabilitation Center in San Mateo and the Senior Citizens Center in Japantown in San Francisco. She spent several years at the sisters’ retirement home in Burlingame until illness made it necessary for her move to Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland. In addition to her nursing service and artistic talent, Sister Carmen will be remembered as a great lover of animals, and as a gentle, reflective, nature-loving presence. She is survived by her cousin Tadayoshi Sugiyama, (Anne), his daughter Judy Sugiyama (Calvin Crutchfield), relatives Dr. Tomohiko Sugiyama and Megan Sugiyama, and her loving community of the Sisters of Mercy.

Tetsuko Norikane, passed away June 20. She was preceded in death by husband Joe Norikane and daughter Aileen Tsukada. Tetsuko is survived by children Misaye Looney, Gay Kurashige, Joey Norikane and four grandchildren.

Myrtle Natsuye Furukawa, born May 18, 1922, raised in Florin, CA, she helped on the family grape and strawberry farm before and after school. She enjoyed playing basketball on the Florin Bluettes. Shortly after graduating from Elk Grove Union HS, the evacuation order came. For the next three years the family was forced to move four times from one concentration camp to another. Upon returning from camp, she left for San Francisco to attend Hazmore School of Dress, graduating after 18 months. In 1948, she met her future husband George, tying the knot on March 19, 1949. After a brief stay in Cleveland, OH, they returned to California in 1951 and she became an active member at the Buddhist Church of Florin, being a teacher for over 25 years. She was the co-founder of the Florin Japanese Language School, teaching for 34 years. She received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her lifetime for her leadership in the Japanese American community. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, watching the Sac Kings and SF Giants, and doing gardening. She unexpectedly entered Nirvana at home on June 20. Preceded in death by parents Tomokichi & Sekiyo Tanaka, husband George, brothers George and Wilbert. Survived by son Randy Furukawa (Cindy), daughter Ailene Nishida (John), grandchildren Shinchan, Erik, and Kiyumi, sisters Myrna Hitomi and Teri Mizusaka (William).

George H. Kinoshita, born on Feb. 19, 1923 in Diamond Springs, CA, passed away on June 21, after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was most proud of his service in the US Army as Sergeant and Squad Leader in the highly decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team/100th Infantry Battalion during WWII fighting in the Mediterranean theater and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement. He is preceded in death by parents, Tsurunosuke and Masue Kinoshita; and sister Smiles Asada (Toru) and is survived by his wife of 57 years, Florence (Yoshida) Kinoshita; daughter Susan Kinoshita; son Jon Kinoshita (Lysa); and many relatives.

Miyoko Yonehiro (“Koko”)
12/3/1922 - 6/21/2011
A gracious figure of joy and kindness to all who knew her, Miyoko Yonehiro (“Koko”) peacefully entered into rest at her home in Auburn, California on June 21. She was born in Burbank, California, on Dec. 3, 1922, the second daughter of Katsuzo and Mitsue Kido. Preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Masayoshi, her sister, Shizue, and her husband, the Honorable George Yonehiro, she is survived by her brother, Yoshito Kido, her children, Melissa Caldwell (Ron), and Marcus Yonehiro (Nancy). She was step-mother to Alison Miller (Dale), “Grandma Koko” to Amy, Evan, and Joel Miller, and “Great Grandma Koko” to Luke, Claire and Sammy. She was also Auntie Koko to several nieces and nephews. She lost her brother, Masa, to illness when she was nine, and he was 7, and that event grounded her in compassion. At age 19, she watched as federal agents came to the family home and loaded her father in the back of a truck following Executive Order 9066. Her dad was not a naturalized U.S. citizen and was separated from the family throughout the entire war. Every week, she wrote a letter begging officials to move her dad to the same camp as the rest of the family. Following the war, Koko helped her parents run the Pontiac and Toya Hotels in the Los Angeles area. She later worked as the office manager for a produce broker. The broker did so well that Koko received a then unheard bonus of $9,000! She asked her boss to give 10% of her bonus to two co-workers in the warehouse. Koko was living at a YWCA in Chicago when she met George Yonehiro in November, 1953. He was in his final year at the John Marshall Law School. Their first date was to a Chicago pizza place. She had never had pizza before, and when he ordered one, she wondered what she was going to eat. After the huge pie arrived, the date went better. They were married on Valentine’s Day the following year. A spirited and generous wife and mother, she was a tireless “running mate” to George during his campaigns for judge, first to the Colfax Justice Court, and later to the Placer County Superior Court. Exceptionally creative, she delighted in sewing and crafts, and honed her skills with her friends, “The Sewing Girls,” over the course of many years. She is beloved and remembered as a beautiful woman, inside and out, with a vital passion for life, a bright grin, a refined sense of style, and a profound appreciation for all that is good and noble.

Tomiye Katsumoto Miyamoto, 80, of San Leandro, CA. Born to Jusuke and Aki Katsumoto. Survived by two sons, Wayne (Karren) and Steven (Catherine) Miyamoto, and four grandchildren.