Mitsuye “Mitzi” Tawa

Mitsuye “Mitzi” Tawa
June 22, 1921 — February 7, 2021

Mitsuye “Mitzi” Tawa, who was the 99-year-old matriarch of the Miyoshi family, born on June 22, 1921 in Watts, Calif., passed away on February 7, 2021. Growing up on a farm with her parents Sosaburo and Toyo Miyoshi, and three older siblings, Joe, Toshi and Susie, Mitzi found delight in saying that she could drive the family tractor when she was 12 years old and could keep up with her brother and sisters growing up. A good student, she graduated from Jordan High School and attended junior college.

Mitzi — a beautiful woman who was well-loved by her friends and everyone in her Miyoshi, Izu and Tawa families — was gracious, compassionate, generous and fun-loving to all who knew her. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, and auntie. She was a loving wife to two men: George Izu (died 1960) – Los Altos, Calif., with whom she had two children: Susan (who resides in San Diego), and Kathy (died in 2016); Will Kei Tawa (died in 1996) -Rancho Palos Verdes. Mitzi was also stepmother to Kei’s daughters, Keiko and Michiko.

As Mitzi is remembered, let your smiles and fond memories embrace.

Mitzi is survived by her daughter Susan Yen; son-in-law Richard Scott Yen; and his two sons, Stephen and Harry; Keiko Tawa of St. George, Utah and Michiko Otello of Burbank.

Gravesite service is planned for February 23, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Green Hills Memorial Park,
27501 S Western Ave, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.