Obituaries- Nov. 10
Kay Cooper, 77, of San Ramon, died peacefully on Sept. 27. Daughter of Nobukichi Takakuwa and Yuki Mabel (Nakahara) Takakuwa. Survived by her sons Scott and Jeff Cooper, granddaughter Cassidy Cooper, and siblings Yoshio Takakuwa, May Kimura, Tomi Gyotoku, Michi Lai.
Lloyd Nishijima, resident of So. Lake Tahoe, formerly of San Jose, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 15. He was the eldest son of the late Hiyoshi “George” and Haru Nishijima. Survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Martha (Kumagai) Nishijima, daughter Robin and son-in-law Richard Carruthers. Preceded in death by his son Gregg. Siblings include Sue (deceased), Lillian / Kiyoshi Sakurai, Paul / Pauline (deceased), Alice, Horace / Ann, Julia, Ray / Norma (both deceased), Ruth / Herb Yamasaki, Victor / Susan, Linda / Mike Kuromi (deceased), Stephen Peter / Debbie. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Masaye Hiura, 98, resident of Palo Alto, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Oct. 18. Masaye was married to the late George Hiura. She worked beside her husband, son and granddaughter as a lab technician for nearly 70 years. She was an avid golfer and enjoyed being with her family. She is survived by her son, Gregory, daughter, Joanne, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and sister, Toshiye.
Ayako Mary (Miyake) Kihara
Feb. 19, 1915 - Oct. 22, 2011
Born in Oakland, California on Feb. 19, 1915 Aya died peacefully on Oct. 22. As a youth, she attended schools in West Oakland, and pitched in with her parents and siblings to keep the family dry cleaning business going. On Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, and the lives of all Americans of Japanese ancestry changed. Aya married Shigeya Kihara on Dec. 24, 1941. Shig was an original instructor with the Military Intelligence Service Language School, so being married avoided separation that would have come with the internment of their families. Shig and Aya began their marriage in Minnesota, outside of the Twin Cities area. They had two children, Ron, born in Minnesota, and Terry, born after the war in Monterey. They were pleased to return to California, which was familiar to them, and loved their New Monterey home, where they enjoyed the beauty of the Peninsula, and the camaraderie of DLI friends and family. Aya and Shig were one of those marriages that aren’t so common anymore: Shig had only one employer, the Defense Language Institute and together, they only owned one home that they loved and enjoyed for 60 years. Shig died in 2005, but Aya was joyous and proud when DLI inducted him into the inaugural class of the DLI Hall of Fame. In her decline, Aya lived seven years with her son, Ron and his wife, Ann. Aya is also survived by her daughter, Terry, an artist living in Ann Arbor, Michigan; by her sister, Rose (Shizu) Iijima of West St. Paul, Minnesota; granddaughter, Lauren Smith (Robbie Donohoe); great granddaughter, Persephone (Sephie) Donohoe; several nephews and nieces. In addition to her late husband, Aya was predeceased by her brothers, James and Richard (Takashi); and her sister, Alice (Kiyo).
In loving memory of Tak Kawamoto, who passed away Oct. 22 due to heart failure. Tak was born in Auburn, California on Dec. 3, 1933 to Fudekichi and Kishino Kawamoto. He worked for the State of California, Franchise Tax Board for 30 years retiring in 1988. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Elsie; daughter, Valerie (Steve) Ishii; son, Russell (Teresa) Kawamoto; grandchildren, Lauren and Brian; brother, Bob (Teri); sister-in-law, Mary, five nephews and two nieces. Tak was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Fumi (Tsuto) and brothers, Shig and George.
Tsugiko “Sue” Holdaway, 90, longtime resident of San Francisco, passed away peacefully at her home on Oct. 23. She is survived by her sisters Masuko Sato, Marge Fujimoto, Kay Sato, nephew Mark Fujimoto, niece Renee (Glenn) Tanaka and grand nephews, Ryan and Michael Tanaka. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lorne Holdaway and sister, Rose Niino. Sue was an avid golfer and watercolor artist.
Mihoko Dietrich, born Nov. 24, 1929 in Tokyo, Japan passed Oct. 24 in Kelseyville, CA. She came to America in 1970 and was a resident of Daly City for 30 years. She was very talented and creative and had many interests. Preceded in death by her husband, Arthur (Bud) Dietrich. Survived by her nieces, Sanae Ukisu of Tokyo, Carolyn Stevens-Cohn and Sasha Stevens.
Naomi Yumiko (Sasaki) Appleton, resident of San Jose, passed away in her home on Oct. 25 after a long fight with cancer. Naomi was a native Californian, a Sansei, and a long-time resident of San Jose. She graduated from San Jose State University and worked for various companies in the valley. She loved to make stuffed animals and to travel. She is a daughter of Roy and Masako (Kobashi) Sasaki. She is survived by her husband Bruce, mother Masako, siblings Natalie Tahara and Rob Sasaki, eight nephews, and two nieces. She was preceded in death by her father Roy, her paternal grandparents Hachizo and Satsuyo (Iwata) Sasaki, and her maternal grandparents Kakuyoshi Ernest and Kameno (Doi) Kobashi.
Edward Kazuo Otake, 85, a 35-year resident of Concord passed away Oct. 25 with his wife and children by his side. Born in Waialua, Oahu, Hawaii, “Ed” served in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Service and was part of the first group of Japanese American translators sent to post WWII Tokyo during reconstruction. He was a Division Chief of Engineering for the U.S. National Park Service and member of the Tri-State Buddhist Temple in Denver and the J.A. Religious Cultural Center in Concord, California. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Miyuki; sister Florence; children, Raymond, Julia and James; four grandchildren; and relatives in Hawaii and Japan.
Kevin John Aoyama, 51, passed away on Oct. 27. He was raised in Salinas, CA and graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Economics. He was active at Stanford in the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and in student government as Senior Class President. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Leslie; daughter, Katelyn; parents, Akira Aoyama and Susie Aoyama; and siblings, Stephanie and Doug. Despite Kevin’s courageous 26 year struggle with debilitating health issues, he actively supported friends and family with his unique capacity for empathy. Kevin touched the lives of many people with his loyal friendship, sense of humor, and zest for life.
Chizuko “Susan” Kakiuchi was born on May 21, 1941, and passed away on Oct. 30. She is survived by Hiroko Nishimura (sister), Hideo Kakiuchi (brother), Kazuo and May Kakiuchi (brother and wife), Ray and Louise Sako (uncle and aunt), Lynn and Glenn Stansbury (niece and husband), Megan Stansbury (grandniece), Kristen and Keith Rucker (niece), Reilly Rucker (grandnephew), Lesley and Shane Kubo (niece and husband), Derek Kubo (grandnephew), Gregg and Heather Nishimura (nephew and wife).
Masako “Mickey” Nishimoto, 87, passed away in Madera on Oct. 30. She was born on Jan. 14, 1924 and raised in Devil’s Slide, Utah. In 1948, she graduated from the University of Utah with a BS in Nursing. She began her nursing career at the Salt Lake City VA and later transferred to the VA in Oakland where she was a surgical head nurse. There she came to know Keith Nishimoto, her future husband. Married in 1957, she moved to Madera and worked at the Nishimoto’s grocery store while raising her two daughters. Her main focus was the Bridge Store, the family business which she helped run for 54 years. She worked occasionally at the local community hospital and winery as a RN and actively participated in many community activities. She met many of her closest friends through the Soroptimist Club, Madera Hospital League, local Nurses Association, VFW Auxiliary, Historical Society, Camp Fire Girls, PTA, and the Bridge Store. We would like to thank all of her friends and family who have shared stories with us of their special friendships and good times. Mickey was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Nishimoto, of 43 years; and all of her siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Judy Nishimoto and spouse Julie Mark of San Bruno and her daughter, Joyce Wilkinson; and granddaughter Kelly Wilkinson of Van Nuys. He loved fishing, bowling, and golf, and developed many friendships through his hobbies. Katsuro was an outgoing, friendly person who enjoyed talking and having fun, especially playing blackjack at the casinos. A devout Buddhist, Katsuro was founding board member of the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church in Union City. He will be deeply missed by many.
Tom Masaki Enkoji entered into eternal peace on Nov. 2. He was born on Aug. 16, 1920 in Newcastle, California. He is preceded in death by his parents Kameichi and Hisayo and brothers Tomo, Archie, George and John. He never got married but is survived by his loving family Tina (Jason), Ashley, Midori and Jeff (Janice). When Tom retired, he liked to play golf, watch sports and tinker with things. He got into making golf clubs for himself and friends. He always worried about his brothers and made sure his duty as the oldest was fulfilled before he left this world. He never wanted to burden anyone with his troubles. He can now rest peacefully and join his family. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Tokiyo Uyesugi was born Dec. 15, 1915 in Stockton to Niichi and Mika Komoto. She was raised and educated in Japan. She returned to the United States in 1936. She married Edward Teruo Uyesugi the same year. Tokiyo passed away peacefully on Nov. 3 at Umenoki Gardens Care Home in Union City, where she had lived for the past 3 1/2 years. She is predeceased in death by her husband Edward, her daughter, Marie Kaneko, a brother and two sisters all of Japan. She is survived by children Robert (Lois) Uyesugi, James (Virginia) Uyesugi, Joan (Stan) Fujikawa, son-in-law George Kaneko, sister Yoshie Shigemoto of Japan, plus 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Gerald “Jerry” Tanaka, 71 passed away peacefully on Nov. 3 in Huntington Beach after a courageous battle with ALS. Jerry was born on June 16, 1940 to Harry and Margaret Tanaka in Yuba City. In 1958, he graduated from Lodi High School then attended U.C. Berkeley. He received his Pharm. D from U.C. San Francisco in 1964. He began his pharmacy career with the U.S. Public Health Service then spent most of his 43 year profession as a hospital pharmacist in Southern California. Jerry is survived by his wife of 41 years, Nancy, sons Jason of Arlington, TX and Jared of Huntington Beach, sisters, Arlene (Mitch) Wakasa of Foster City, Nadine (Dickie) Iwamiya of Sacramento and Denise Iwata of Stockton, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Hisako “Ruth” Fujisawa Gardner
July 24, 1927 - Nov. 3, 2011
Her family mourns the loss of their beloved mother and grandmother, Hisako Gardner, born in Nagoya, Japan and married to Henderson R. Gardner who preceded her in death. Hisako lived throughout the world in such places as Germany and Thailand before settling in the Monterey Bay Area in 1972. She retired from AAFES and went on to work at Macys. She loved to read, garden, and spend time with her family. Hisako is survived by her two daughters, Angela Gardner Ribuffo of Anchorage, Alaska and Tina Gardner Worley of Seaside, California; Angela’s husband, Stephen Ribuffo; her grandchildren, Stephen Ribuffo and his wife, Jessica Ribuffo, Daniel Ribuffo, Kirk M. Worley, Kyle Worley and her great-grandson, Jonah Thomason.
Katsuro “Kay” Yasuhiro, 93, passed away peacefully on Nov. 4 with his family at his bedside in Fremont. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Yaeko, daughters Connie Saito and Joyce Lee (husband Paul), son Philip Yasuhiro, granddaughter Coreen Saito Battiato (husband Michael), grandson Peter Lee, and extended family and friends. Katsuro was born Sept. 11, 1918 in San Leandro to Jiro and Naka (Miyamoto) Yasuhiro, and was the eldest of three sons. From the early age of six to age twelve, he lived with his uncle in Japan to learn the language and culture, and returned to the US to continue studies at San Leandro High School, excelling in high jump events. During WWII, Katsuro and his family were placed with other Japanese Americans in the Topaz, Utah internment camp. After the war, they relocated back to San Leandro to continue farming. Katsuro had an entrepreneurial and creative mind, so he started his successful wholesale nursery and landscaping business, specializing in Japanese water gardens. Katsuro was recognized at local county fairs for his unique designs and effects, and won awards for two decades.
Toshiko Iwawaki, 97, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Nov. 5. Born in Seattle, Washington on Aug. 20, 1914 and except for the WW II years spent in the concentration camps of Gila, Arizona and Tule Lake, California lived in San Francisco for 30 years. Upon her husband’s retirement, moved to Berkeley in 1966 and lived there for 36 years. Preceded in death by her husband Masao and grandson Corby Shinomiya. Survived by daughters Masako (Richard) Murakami, Yaeko (Stan) Ozaki, grandchildren Mathew and Warren Koga, Ellen (Yuji) Kawana, Coco (Eddie) Gorodetsky and three great-grandchildren. As she wished, a memorial service was held at Kokoro, her home for the past eight years.
Roy Uyeno, 88, was born April 26, 1923 in Hollister, CA and passed away on Nov. 5. He was a long-time resident of Gilroy with his late wife, Helen Haruye Uyeno, where he worked as a farmer. He was a member of the San Jose Betsuin Church and he served in the Army. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. Roy is survived by his children: Clifford and his wife Sharon A. Uyeno of Lemoore; Sharon Uyeno of Fresno; Lori Uyeno of Mission Viejo and Brian and his wife Christy Uyeno of Cupertino. He also is survived by his grandchildren - Dennis, Denise, Tara, Mark, Kayla - and great-grandchildren - Travis, Bryanna, Gregory, Ryan, Lily, Bodee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen.
Fred Kondo, 70, resident of Santa Clara, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 6. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Helen and Dick Kondo and sister May Ellis. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Masako, his only child Thomas Kondo, brother Robert Kondo of Huntington Beach, CA, nephew, Eric Ellis, and niece, Karen Kondo, both of Southern California.
