Saeko Seo Kiso

Saeko Seo Kiso

Saeko Seo Kiso, 84, passed away peacefully the morning of December 20, 2020. She had been suffering from the ravages of dementia for the past several years, and was residing in the Memory Care Unit at Nikkei Senior Gardens at the time of her passing. She was always ready with a smile for her caregivers, who loved her dearly.

Saeko Seo was born in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. She was the fourth of five children born to Yasuichi and Ayako Seo. Saeko emigrated to the United States upon marrying George Masamichi Kiso in 1959.

The young couple worked hard during a time of discrimination against Japanese, operating single room occupancy hotels with George also working multiple jobs. They managed to earn a living and set aside some savings while raising two boys. Later, Saeko took on piece apparel sewing work to supplement the family income. They purchased their part of the American dream, a home in Gardena in 1974. George passed away in that house in 2011; Saeko stayed in the house until 2018, a total of 44 years.

She is survived by her three older sisters, Atsuko Okada, Itsuko Okano, and Ritsuko Murakami, all in Japan, two sons, Wayne (Mari Rose) and Alan, and several nieces and nephews. Her proudest legacy is her grandchildren, who gave her great joy, Michelle (Mario), Bobby, and Michael. She also had one great grandchild, Julian Masahiro Cabrera-Kiso.

The family requests no flowers or koden. If so inclined, the family suggests a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions and consideration, no memorial service will be held. A private interment service will be held at a later date at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.