In Loving Memory of Haruko Nakata, one-year anniversary
Haruko Nakata was a remarkable lady who graced our lives for 100 years. She was a loving and beloved aunt whose warm and friendly personality taught us to live well and who broadened our horizons so that we wanted her to share our experiences too. She was the mentor who introduced us to things we still enjoy, and we catch ourselves thinking we’ll call her and see if she’d like to accompany us as we… then we remember. Her parents, Matsusuke and Iyo Nakata moved from Hollywood to the Sawtelle area of West Los Angeles at the beginning of the Depression. She and her older sister, Sachiko attended local schools until WWII. She graduated from Manzanar High School and after the war, they returned to Sawtelle. She was active with the WLA United Methodist Church and a longtime member of the WLA JACL Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed traveling, flower arranging and volunteering at the JACCC gift shop after retirement. Her sociable personality and friendliness made her a favorite at the assisted living facilities where she resided. She left us on June 28, 2025. She is survived by her nieces, Candice and Coleen Ota; late nephew Bryan’s wife, Amy Ota; and their daughters, Christine (Chad, daughter Rylee) Yamasaki and Jaclyn (Steve) Lee.