January 15, 1919 – March 11, 2024
Masako May Kotsubo was born in Stockton, Calif. on January 15, 1919, to Toro and Naka Inouye. Masako married Noboru Kotsubo on March 29, 1938, and together they had three children: Sohei, Hiroko, and Shoji. After World War II, she and her young family moved to Long Beach and soon established a home.
Masako loved to crochet and shared her skills with others. She taught crochet classes and gifted hospice patients and dear friends and family with her crocheted blankets and towel sets. She won awards for her calligraphy, flower arranging, and, among the family, was a top chef. She made traditional Japanese New Year’s food (Osechi Ryori) and enjoyed celebrating holidays with family and friends. In her later years, Masako continued to crochet, complete crossword and sudoku puzzles, and looked forward to her family’s frequent visits.
Masako passed away on March 11, 2024, at her place of residence. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at the Long Beach Buddhist Church, 2360 Santa Fe Ave., Long Beach. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Green Hills Memorial Park.
Masako is survived by her daughter, Hiroko; her daughters-in-law, Nori and Sandy; her grandchildren, Steven, Lance, Stephanie, Michelle, and Gena and their families; including her great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Caleb, Mika, and Matthew.