Janice Yaeko Hibino (Uyeda) of Gardena passed away peacefully on November 17, just prior to her 88th birthday. Born in Lodi, Janice grew up with siblings George, Harry, Daisy and Lillian on the family farm in Stockton. Her family was sent to Rowher internment camp in Arkansas. After camp Janice married Yukio (“Yuk”) Hibino and they settled in the Boston area.
Janice worked as a secretary for many years and together with Yuk, put their three children through college. When she and Yuk retired, they filled their days sightseeing throughout New England, exercising daily and traveling with fellow 442/522 veterans and their wives to Hawaii, Europe and Israel. Janice’s sister Daisy was an avid birder and the two visited famous birding sites in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
In 1996 Janice and Yuk moved to Gardena and Janice became the most vocal supporter at granddaughter Sachi’s basketball games. She and Yuk volunteered at the Go For Broke National Education Center and Janice joined the cookbook committee. Janice loved singing with the Golden Sounds choir and played recorder, keyboard and piano. On Fridays she enjoyed “Hand and Foot” with her poker friends at Merit Park, where she also served on the board. Janice loved many things, but just below family and friends were Korean dramas and her Lakers. She was funny, smart and opinionated, yet open-minded and accepted people as they were.
Yuk, Janice’s loving husband of 63 years predeceased her in July. Janice is survived by her children, Shirley Hibino, June Hibino (Mike Murase), Bob Hibino (Lyn), beloved granddaughter Sachi Murase and many adoring nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
A private memorial will be held at a later date. Donations in Janice’s name may be made to the Little Tokyo Service Center and the Nakaoka Community Center of Gardena.