Yoneko Imamura, 94, of Lafayette, Indiana, formerly of Hilo, HI, died at 4:00 a.m. Sunday, January 24, 2010 in her son’s residence.
She was born November 26, 1915 in Hilo, HI to the late Kumasaku and Satsuki (Fukuchi) Nakashima. She graduated from Hilo High School in 1932 and attended Hilo Commercial College. She was a Hilo, Hawaii resident until moving to Lafayette in 2006 to live with her son, Morton and his wife, Paula.
Her marriage was to Toshimitsu Imamura on August 1, 1943. He preceded her in death on May 6, 1992.
Yoneko volunteered at Waiakea Social Settlement, later known as the YMCA, and became employed by them after 3 years of volunteer work with children. She started Waiakea’s first 4-H club, serving as leader for more than 10 years. She then worked for Hawaii County’s Parks and Recreation Department where she had an instrumental part in setting up the Fair Home Economics Division. After retirement in 1977, she continued her volunteer work with leading craft classes for children and senior citizens at the Papaikou Senior Center and Waianaku Community Ladies Group.
Mrs. Imamura was a 60 year member of the National Association for Family and Community Education (formerly the University Extension Club) where she held several offices and served as Hawaiian delegate to their National Convention many times.
Surviving are her children, Morton Imamura (wife: Paula) of Lafayette, IN and Alma Sakoda (husband: Ronald) of Huntington Beach, CA.
She was especially proud of her grandchildren, Kevin, Charlene, Ryan, Eric, Christina, John and Michael; and her great-grandchildren, Heaven, Trey, Sybil, R. Isaac, and Angelina.
Numerous nieces and nephews, including Jolly Peterson of Madera, CA, Dr. Neal Nakashima (wife: Nadine) and Jane Uyeno (husband: Harold) both of Hilo, HI survive.
A memorial service will be held in Hilo, HI at a later date to be announced. Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston, IN is entrusted with care.
Share memories and condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.
Yoneko Imamura
