Mitty Taniguchi

Mitty Taniguchi (nee Matsui), age 95, passed away peacefully at her home in Gardena, Calif. on October 8, 2020. She was born in Redondo Beach, Calif. to Masanaka and Tomi Matsui. Her family resided in Redondo Beach, where they were successful farmers until they were incarcerated during World War II for three years at the Rohwer Internment Camp in Arkansas. Once released from camp the family moved to Bridgeton, New Jersey to start a new life with her parents who worked at Seabrook Farms. She met and married Kazuto Taniguchi, her loving husband of 66 years in New Jersey and eventually moved back to Southern California to raise their family.

She lived a full life as mother, homemaker, and part-time employee of various fabric stores. Mitty was skilled at embroidery, sewing and cake decorating. Her interests included learning the art of Japanese classical dance from Madame Fujima Kansuma, bonsai and collecting thimbles. She enjoyed yearly Kochi-ken picnics where families that had originated from the Kochi Prefecture in Japan would celebrate their culture with food, song, dance and games. Mitty was also a talented cook with many family-favorite dishes such as her tasty char siu, chawan mushi, stew and holiday cranberry sauce. A special memory for Mitty was joining her mother and sister Sumi on a trip to their parents’ homeland in Kochi, Japan, where she reconnected with relatives.

Mitty is survived by her husband, Kazuto Taniguchi; children Warren Taniguchi (Lisa Tanaka), Lori Taniguchi (Terry Stewart), Larry Taniguchi and Pat Taniguchi. She is also survived by her brothers Walter and Edward (Beatrice) Matsui, sister Nakako (Toshio) Takata, and many nieces, nephews, and relatives. Her parents Masanaka and Tomi Matsui; brother Victor Matsui; sister Sumi Masuda; sisters-in-law Teru and Miko Matsui; and nephew Marc Matsui preceded her in death. She will be deeply missed by everyone that knew her.

A private service was held at Pacific Crest Cemetery in Redondo Beach.