Doris Tomiko Nakamura
July 25, 1932 – September 10, 2017
Iwao Nakamura
February 18, 1928 – May 13, 2015
Doris Tomiko Nakamura, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2017. She was the sole daughter of Eikichi & Uto Heanza (Miyagi). Her husband, Iwao, passed away at age 87 in May 2015. She is survived by her children; Sandy Gereaux (husband Dean, daughter Nicole), Lois Nishimoto (daughters Madison & Alexis), Cheryl Nakamura, Kevin Nakamura (wife Maria).
Doris was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 1956, Doris & Iwao came along with her parents to California, where they became long-time residents of Los Angeles and later Long Beach. Doris worked for many years at Caltrans and was a very active member of the Okinawa Club, dedicated to preserving her father’s legacy of Okinawa music and dance (Miyagi Gensei Kai, Nomura-ryu Ongaku Kyokai). Doris was a mom to many beyond her family. Those who knew her will remember her kindness and generosity. She hosted many in her home, especially on holidays and New Year’s Day, and always volunteered to cook food for everyone for any occasion. Her home was always filled with food, laughter and love.
She will be missed but we take solace knowing that she is now with her beloved husband and our dad. Both will always remain in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life reception will be held on Sunday, October 22, 12:00 noon at the Okinawa Association of America in Gardena. Dress is casual.