Jean K. Nishimoto
Jean Kaoru Nishimoto (née Kuraoka) passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2021, in Los Angeles. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 71 years, John Osamu, and by her daughter, Irene. Jean also was predeceased by her brother, Mas (survived by his wife Frances) and her sister, Emiko (husband Kay Tomie). Jean is survived by her beloved sons, Jim (Adrienne) and Cary (Linda); grandchildren Brent, Noelle (Dr. Evan Vellios), Alexa; and great-granddaughter, Nara. She is also survived by a number of nephews, nieces, and great-nephews and nieces.
Jean was born in Los Angeles in 1921, but moved to Japan with her parents as a young child. Upon returning with her family to Los Angeles, Jean attended and graduated from Belmont High School. She met John in 1940 and they married to avoid being separated by the federal internment order, as war was breaking out. They endured forced internment at Gila River, Ariz., where their son, Jim, was born in 1942. Later, since returning to the West Coast was forbidden, Jean and John were released from camp for Cleveland, Ohio, where daughter, Irene, and son, Cary were born. The couple lived in Chicago, Ill. until the restrictions were lifted. They returned to Pasadena in 1951 to raise their family.
During this time in Jean’s life, she became active in the Pasadena Buddhist Church. She participated in exotic food preparation for church holidays and events as a longtime member of the church Fujinkai. At the church, she also pursued interests in photography, flower arrangement and tea ceremony.
We dearly miss Mom, Dad and Irene and thank them for the lifetime of love of family. They will forever be in our hearts.