Fusako “Poppy” Honma
Honma, Fusako “Poppy” departed peacefully from this life on April 24 following a brief illness while vacationing in Orange County, her home for more than 35 years. Her loved ones will always remember the loving, generous and steadfast support she provided throughout her 83 years. Her many friends will miss her sunny disposition and the warm companionship she offered in good times and bad. Beset by poor health in her latter years, anyone who met or knew her could not help but be inspired by her courage and uncomplaining disposition.
Born in San Francisco, Poppy returned to Japan with her mother, Masako in 1937, and spent the war years with relatives in and around Tokyo. Her father, Michika, remained in the U.S., was subsequently interned at Tule Lake passing away at wars end shortly after reuniting with his family in Tokyo. Poppy found employment in the Occupation Administration and formed many lasting friendships among the military and civilian personnel dedicated to the rebuilding of modern Japan. It was there that she met and married Richard Honma, a military intelligence specialist from Los Angeles who had been reassigned to Tokyo following tours of duty in Burma and India. Despite the devastation of postwar Tokyo, Poppy and Richard were inspired by the high ideals of the postwar government and were proud of their efforts towards those ends. Following Richard’s discharge from the Army, they returned to Los Angeles and started a family. Poppy became an administrative worker for the State Employment Agency and remained there until their move to Westminster in 1969. Soon thereafter, Poppy joined the board OF Equalization in Santa Ana where she eventually retired from after 30 years of government service. Following Richard’s passing in 2002, Poppy struggled to maintain her independence as her health deteriorated and was especially grateful for the support and love she received from neighbors and her many friends from Wintersburg Church.
Poppy is survived by her brother, Mutsuya Matsumoto (Kei); her son, Victor (E.V.) and their children, Ralph and Daphne; son, Robert (Leilani) and their children, Jeremy, Matthew, Kiana and Akemi; nieces, Marianne, Frances and Judy; nephew, Mark; and their families. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 23 at Wintersburg Presbyterian Church, 2000 N. Fairview St., Santa Ana, CA 92706. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in her name to the Senior Ministry at Wintersburg Presbyterian Church.
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Stephen Yukio Osako
Private funeral services for the late Stephen Yukio Osako, 79-year-old Long Beach, Calif.-born Nisei were held at Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple on April 17, officiated by Rinban Noriaki Ito. Steve passed away on April 5 at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma. Steve is survived by brother, Ted (Kimiko) Osako; brothers-in-law, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Tedd Kawata, and Frank Kihm. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives here and in Japan.
A Celebration of Life event for Steve will be held on Saturday, May 23 in Orange County. Relatives, friends, co-workers, and classmates are cordially invited to attend to re¬new friendships and reminisce about their memories of Steve. Please call (714) 534-5139 or email wosako@socal.rr.com, for details and to RSVP (by May 20). www.fukuimortuary.com, (213) 626-0441.
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Ernest Kenji Yamada Jr.
A funeral service for Ernest Kenji Yamada Jr., 78 year-old, Los Angeles, Calif.-born Nisei, who peacefully passed away on May 9 in Canoga Park will be held on held on Saturday, May 16 at 9 a.m. at the chapel of Green Hills Memorial Park, 27051 S. Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. www.kubotanikkeimortuary.com, (213) 749-1449.
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Masako Mary Ann Miyamoto
Private memorial services were held for the late Masako Mary Ann Miyamoto, 93 years old, Palms, Calif.-born Nisei resident of Laguna Woods who passed away on April 29. A woman of character, integrity and strength of will. An entrepreneur and hard worker from an early age. Loving, fiercely loyal and forever wanting the best for those she loved. Always thinking and doing what she could to provide a better life. Curious and adventuresome, she traveled the world to see and to learn, never afraid to try something new. She asked to be remembered as a hard worker. She will. And she will stay as an indomitable spirit, loving mother, grandmother, wife, sister, friend who lives daily in our hearts with warmth and love. The family respectfully re¬quests that flowers be omitted. www.fukuimortuary.com (213) 626-0441
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Yayeko Sagawa
Yayeko Sagawa, 84, passed away on May 15. She follows her husband of 53 years, Makoto Paul Sagawa who passed in 1999. She is survived by her son, Wesley Sagawa, of Denver, Colo., and her daughter, Patti Sagawa of West Covina. She was a member of the congregation of West Covina Christian Church. She will be remembered for her warmth and was a friend and comforter to many.
Services will be held as follows: Viewing will take place on Tuesday, May 19 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Rose Hills Mortuary, 3888 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, May 20, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at West Covina Christian Church, 1100 East Cameron Ave., West Covina, CA 91790.
Burial services (for family only) on Wednesday, May 20 at Rose Hills.
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John K. Toya
John K. Toya passed away on April 20, at the age of 85. He leaves his loving wife “Toshi” of 60 years; and three children, Frank (Carolyn), Gary, Peggy Ann (Randy) Minobe; and sister, Mary Nakaki. He also leaves his three grandchildren, Kambria, Ryan and Greg, who gave him so much joy in his life. Please join the family in a “Celebration of John’s Life” on Saturday, May 23 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Happa Restaurant, 1644 W. Redondo Beach Blvd., Gardena, CA 90247. Please dress casual.
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Meito Hori
Funeral services for the late Mr. Meito Hori, 82 year old, Pismo Beach, Calif.-born Nisei resident of Fullerton who passed away on May 14 at Kaiser Permanente Anaheim will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 11 a.m. at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 S. Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes, officiated by Rev. Naomi Nakano of Gardena Buddhist Church. Mr. Meito is survived by brothers, Tashi Hori and Fukashi (Tomi) Hori; sister, June Keiko (James) Saito. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives. www.fukuimortuary.com (213) 626-0441
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Bernice Kazuko Matsukane
Bernice Kazuko Matsukane died on May 14 at age 93. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Harry, and sons, Melvin (wife Barbara), Edward (wife Gerry and children, Meghan, Erin, Cara and Regan) and Howard. Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 26 at 2:30 p.m. at Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd., Westminster.
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Kazuo Arase
A memorial service for the late Kazuo Arase will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 4 p.m. at the Temple City Seventh-day Adventist Church, 9664 Broadway, Temple City, 91780. Kazuo Arase, a Nisei resident of Glendale, passed away on May 17 at Garfield Medical Center. He is survived by his loving children, Catherine (Dean) Horinouchi, Thomas (Charito) Arase, and Grace (James) Matsuda; grandchildren, Andrew and Deanne Horinouchi, Jenny, Jameson, and Michael Matsuda; and companion, Kyoko Utsunomiya. He was the owner of Arase Doll Making Store in Boyle Heights and a member of the Nanka Yamaguchi Kenjinkai. He will be missed by all.
www.fukuimortuary.com (213) 626-0441
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Masao Inouye
Funeral service for Masao Inouye 96-year-old Seattle, Wash.-born resident of Gardena, will be held on Tuesday, May 26 from 10 a.m. at Gardena Valley Baptist Church, 1630 W. 158th St., Gardena.
He is survived by his wife, Fujie Inouye; daughter, June Noriko Matsunami; grandchildren, Lee (Aubrey) Matsunami and Lynn (Steve) Tokeshi; great grandchildren, Caitlin Matsunami, Cole Matsunami and Dara Tokeshi; sister, Kyoko (Masami) Fujimoto of Japan; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
www.fukuimortuary.com (213) 626-0441
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Toshiko Mochizuki
Mrs. Toshiko Mochizuki of Torrance passed away peacefully on May 18 at the age of 89. Born in Osaka, Japan, she was a shihan or master instructor with the name Kokuri in the Shigin (Chinese-style Japanese poetry recitation) group Kokuseikai. She is survived by her husband Yukio Mochizuki; her son Mike Mochizuki and his wife Clare Winslow; her daughter Shirley Yamamoto and her husband Blane Yamamoto; and her grandchildren Jason Yamamoto, and Miles and Ella Mochizuki.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 11 a.m. at Gardena Valley Baptist Church, 1630 W. 158th St., Gardena, Calif. www.fukuimortuary.com,
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Katsuyo Teraji
Private family services for the late Katsuyo Teraji, 92-year-old, San Diego-born resident of San Gabriel, who passed away from complications of pneumonia on May 14, were held on Wednesday, May 20 at Fukui Mortuary “Chapel in the Garden.”
She is survived by her daughters, Grace Setsuko Teraji, Lillian Shizuko (Steven) Nicholson, and Toshiye Teraji; she is also survived by other relatives.
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Masako Nakano
February 19, 1912 – April 30, 2009
Masako Nakano, a long-time resident of North Hollywood passed away peacefully at age 97. She is survived by her daughter, Ms. Winnie Tapper and her brother, Fukumi Fujiwara. A memorial service will be on Saturday, May 30, at 11 a.m. at the San Fernando Valley Holiness Church, 9610 Haddon Ave., Pacoima.
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Thomas Takashi Zaima
Thomas Takashi Zaima passed away on April 28 at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife, Lois; stepdaughter, Jodi; stepson, Scott; granddaughter Andi; sisters and many nieces and nephews. A private memorial service was held.
www.fukuimortuary.com (213) 626-0441.
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Ben T. Fukushima
100, Ben T. Fukushima Nisei born in Visalia, passed away peacefully at home in Burbank with his wife of 73 years Marie Kajikawa and family by his side on May 21.
Services will be held at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 S. Western Ave., R.P.V., Calif., Friday, May 29, 1 p.m.
Survived by daughter, Phyllis (DAN) Matsubara (Burbank). son, Ben W. Fukushima (VA), grandfather of Deedy (Steve) Kurashima, Sandi (AL) Kosaka, Randy Matsubara, Ariel Fukushima, great grandfather of Kyle, Derek Kurashima, Austin, Adian Kosaka and many nieces and nephews.
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Rose F. Goto
Rose F. Goto, 85, of San Pedro, passed away on April 30. She is suurvived by spouse, Ben; son, Gerald (Rona) Adachi; daughter-in-law, Linda (Ron) Adachi; 4 grandchildren; brother, Shin Sako; sisters, Etsuko Okasaki, Mary Kishida, Jayne (Mits) Yamamoto; and many nieces and nephews. Private services and interment were held on May 12, at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.
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Chidori Elsa Inouye
A private funeral service for Chidori Elsa Inouye, 51 year-old, Los Angeles born Nisei, who passed away on May 18 in Los Angeles, was held on Saturday, May 23 at the Memorial Chapel of Kubota Nikkei Mortuary with Rev. Myoshin Lang of Zenshuji Soto Mission officiating. (213) 749-1449 www.kubotanikkeimortuary.com
She is survived by her parents, Shinji (Sawae) Inouye; uncle, Kenichi (Tsuyako) Inouye, Shunzo (Yoriko) Mise; aunt, Hiromi (Phillip) Choy; also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
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Chris Yoshio Kajikawa
Funeral services for the late Chris Yoshio Kajikawa, 46 years-old, San Pedro-born resident of Torrance, who passed away on May 20, will be held on Monday, June 1, 11 a.m. at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 S. Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes, under the direction of Fukui Mortuary.
He is survived by his parents, Kay H. (Judy) Kajikawa and Yeiko (Fred K.) Fukunaga; grandparents, Tadashi and Misato Kajikawa, and Toshiko Urushibata; aunts and uncles, Carole Kajikawa, JoAnn (Tateshi) Yamashiro, Yukio (Mable) Urushibata, Itsuko (Russell) WeHara, and Alice (Mark) Kammerman; he is also survived by many cousins and other relatives.
www.fukuimortuary.com (213) 626-0441
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Tadashi Kamikawa
Funeral service for the late Mr. Tadashi Kamikawa, 79 year-old, Ewa, Hawaii born Nisei, resident of Gardena who passed away peacefully on May 21 at his residence, will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 7 p.m. at Gardena Buddhist Church, 1517 West 166th St., Gardena, CA 90247.
He is predeceased by his wife, Dorothy Sugako in 1992. He is survived by his daughter, Shari (Greg) Kaku; granddaughters, Michelle, Alyssa and Erin; girlfriend, Wandee Bunluenuchalee; brothers, Haruo (Jane), Yoshito and George (Dorothy) Kamikawa, all of Hawaii; sisters, Harriet (Kazuto) Sugimoto and Susan (Kenneth) Komatsu of Hawaii and Ivy Gushi of California. Family respectfully requesting casual or Aloha attire.
www.fukuimortuary.com (213) 626-0441
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Chidori Elsa Inouye
A private funeral service for Chidori Elsa Inouye, 51-year-old, Los Angeles-born Nisei, who passed away on May 18 in Los Angeles, was held on Saturday, May 23 at the Memorial Chapel of Kubota Nikkei Mortuary with Rev. Myoshin Lang of Zenshuji Soto Mission officiating. www.kubotanikkeimortuary.com, (213) 749-1449.
She is survived by her parents, Shinji (Sawae) Inouye; uncle, Kenichi (Tsuyako) Inouye, Shunzo (Yoriko) Mise; aunt, Hiromi (Phillip) Choy; also survived by many other relatives.
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Akiko Izumi
Funeral services for the late Akiko Izumi who passed away peacefully on May 24 at Hendon Home in Laguna Hills, will be held on Sunday, May 31, 11 a.m. at Nichiren Buddhist Temple, 2801 E. Fourth St., Los Angeles.
She is survived by her loving son, Richard (Miwa); grandchildren, John of Arizona, Yumi and Shinichiro; sisters, Ryoko Toya and Chidori Kon, both of Japan; sister-in-law, Fumiko Sato of Japan; daughters-in-law, Esther and Dorothy Hoshi; also by other relatives. www.fukuimortuary.com, (213) 626-0441.
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Amy Nakazawa
Funeral service for the late Mrs. Amy Nakazawa, 84-year-old, Downey, Calif.-born Nisei, resident of San Pedro, Calif. who passed away at Providence little Company of Mary Medical Center, will be held on Monday, June 1, 11 a.m. at Gardena Valley Baptist Church, 1630 W. 158th St., Gardena, CA 90247. She is survived by her husband, Ed Nakazawa; son, Martin (Patricia) Nakazawa; daughter, Laurie (Andy) Tallman; grandchildren, Kristin and Alison Nakazawa, Michael (Ann) and Deanna Tallman; also nieces, nephews and other relatives, www.fukuimortuary.com, (213) 626-0441.
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Hiroshi “Charlie” Hisamune
Mr. Hiroshi “Charlie” Hisamune, 79, Seattle, Wash.-born Nisei, veteran of the Korean Conflict, resident of Los Angeles passed away peacefully on May 24, at Keiro Nursing Home. He is survived by his loving son, Kevin Yoshi Hisamune; brothers, Toshio (Barbara) and Masaru (Catherine) Hisamune; many nephews, nieces and relatives.
He is predeceased by his loving wife Joanne Nobuye Hisamune. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 6, at 12 p.m. at Miyako Inn Banquet Room, 328 E. First St., Los Angeles. The family requests casual attire. In lieu of flowers or koden the family requests that donations be made in memory of Mr. Hiro¬shi Hisamune to Keiro Nursing Home, 2221 Lincoln Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90031
www.fukuimortuary.com, (213) 626-0441.
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David Chokichi Kameya
Memorial service for the late Mr. David Chokichi Kameya, 89-year-old Hawaii born Nisei resident of Gardena who passed away at Little Company of Mary, Torrance will be held on Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m. at Gardena Valley Baptist Church, 1630 West 158th St., Gardena, CA 90247, with Sr. Pastor Guy Takashima of Coast Christian Fellowship officiating.
He is survived by his daughters, Amy (Scott) Kameda, Kay Sogi and Jean Nakama; son, Calvin (Diane) Kameya of Hawaii; (6) grandchildren; (4) great-grandchildren; sisters, Kameyo Yamauchi of Hawaii and Hideko Pat (Hironori) Nishimura; brother, Masaru (Ruth) Kameya; also many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
www.fukuimortuary.com (213) 626-0441.
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Yachiyo Nancy Kato
Kato, Yachiyo Nancy, Wednesday May 20, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 at the home of her son, Ron Kato and daughter-in-law, Elisabeth Kato in Universal City, Texas. She was surrounded by her family. Yachiyo was a native of Los Angeles, Calif.
Yachiyo was preceded in death by her husband, Yoshio Kato; and her youngest son, David Kato.
Yachiyo was a devoted mother to son, Ron Kato (Elisabeth) and their three daughters, Jade, Krystal, and Amanda. She is also survived by son, Steven Kato; and his two sons, Daniel and Michael.
Also survived by her two brothers, George and Saka Fujimori; and one sister, Midori Mat¬sumoto; and three great grandchildren. Yachiyo retired from Kaiser Permanente in 1988. She was a long time member of Koyasan Church where she and her husband were strong supporters for over 50 years. A memorial service is pending notices will be send out individually to all friends and relatives.
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Atsuko Mary Kawano
Funeral services for the late Atsuko Mary Kawano, 84-year-old, Los Angeles-born resident of Gardena, who passed away on May 25 at Torrance Memorial Hospital, will be held on Thursday, June 4, 9 a.m. at Green Hills Memorial Chapel, 27501 S. Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., with Rev. Rick Iwanaga officiating. She is preceded in death by her husband, Tom S. Kawano; and is survived by her son, Donny (Kerry E.) Kawano; daughter, Karen S. (Charles R.) Edmonds; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Song) Boggess, Andrew Kawano and Gregory Kawano; sisters, Fumiko (Robert) Harada, Sumiko (Joe) Hamamoto, Hideko (Ruperto) Jimenez and Nanako Kawahara; brother, Isao Kawahara; brother-in-law, George Matsumoto; also survived by many nieces, neph¬ews, and other relatives through¬out the United States.
www.fukuimortuary.com, (213) 626-0441.
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Joe Nagano
A memorial service for Joe Nagano, 88-year-old, Los Angeles, Calif.-born Nisei, who passed away on May 25 in Los Angeles will be held on Thursday, June 4 at 1 p.m. at the Gardena Valley Baptist Church, 1630 W. 158th St., Gardena, Calif. with Rev. Yolanda Marquez-Lucar of West Adams Christian Church officiating. www.kubotanikkeimortuary.com, (213) 749-1449.
He is survived by his wife, Mitsuko Nagano; daughters, Janeane (Claude) Kansaku from Oregon and Julie (Mark) Akita; grandchildren, Lillian and Jamie Kansaku, Max and Nicolas Akita; brother, Towru (Zenaida) Nagano; also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives.