Yukie Nii Okazaki
Yukie Nii Okazaki passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 11, 2020 at the age of 87 years old. Yukie was born on March 2, 1933 to Shizue Kajihara Nii and George Fusaichi Nii in Newcastle, California, on March 2, 1933. Yukie was the second of six children.
In 1939, her parents bought a home and fruit orchard in Lincoln, California. On July 24, 1942, Yukie and her family were forcibly sent to Tule Lake Internment Center, where they endured 3 years there, before returning to Lincoln in November 1945.
Yukie graduated in 1952 from Placer College with an AA degree in science, and then earned a BS in Nursing from the UC San Francisco, where she continued to work at the UCSF Hospital after graduation. While living in San Francisco, Yukie became very active at the Buddhist Church of San Francisco, establishing her life-long devotion to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
In 1960, Yukie and Sid married at the Buddhist Church of San Francisco, and soon after moved to San Gabriel, California. They raised two children, Ken and Julie and lived happily together for 59 years. Yukie was employed as a Los Angeles County public health nurse and mental health counselor before retiring after 30 years.
Yukie is remembered for her love of traveling, camping, cooking, and her devotion to her garden. During her retirement, she was very active in the Pasadena Buddhist Temple’s Buddhist Women’s Association, Nikkei Seniors, cooking class, ikebana class, sewing class, and walking club.
Predeceased by her parents, George Fusaichi Nii and Shizue Kajihara Nii, and brother George Masaichi Nii, and brothers-in laws: Tom Miyamoto, Noble Yoshida and Eddie Masuda. Yukie leaves behind, husband Sid and children Ken (Zeena Lee) Okazaki, Julie (Rob) Komoto; grandchildren, Kasey, Kyle, and Alan; siblings, Fusae Miyamoto, Fumie Yoshida, Terrie Masuda, and Richard (Diana Nicholaev) Nii; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private family burial service was held on August 8, 2020 at Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, California. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation and sincere gratitude for all the kind expressions of sympathy. A public memorial service will be held in 2021. In lieu of koden, please send donations to the Pasadena Buddhist Temple, in memory of Yukie Okazaki.