November 7, 1947 – May 8, 2024
Shirley S. Mikami passed away after a brave fight against cancer on May 8, 2024, at home in Torrance, Calif. She was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Gardena. After graduating from Gardena High School in 1965, she ventured off to the hills of Westwood at UCLA and earned her bachelor’s degree in 1969. Shirley used her ability to connect with people in a long, successful career in human resources. In retirement, she enjoyed lunching with friends, walking at the botanical gardens, traveling, line and ondo dancing, and attending family gatherings. She was an avid sports fan and loved cheering on the UCLA Bruins, Angels, Dodgers, and Shohei. She was the key helper for her sister Lynn’s art projects and IT needs. Her friends and family will dearly miss her extraordinary gift of making people smile and laugh.
Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Satoshi (Mike) Mikami, and her mother, Toshie (Mildred) Mikami. She is survived by her brother, Richard Mikami (Ann); sisters, Meiko Inaba, Carol Matsuura, and Lynn Mikami; and many nieces, nephews and cousins who adored her.
Per Shirley’s request, a Celebration of Life will take place this summer. In lieu of flowers and/or koden please consider donating to the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute at jci-gardena.org.