Kiyomi Kobayashi

Kiyomi Kobayashi, 95, Sacramento, CA- born Nisei, resident of Los Angeles, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2021.

She is predeceased by her loving husband, George Kiyoshi Kobayashi; two brothers, Hiro (Mary) and Bob Kanegawa; brother-in-law, Hank (Terry) Kobayashi.

She is survived by her loving family: two sons, Edward Stanton (Colleen) and Gary Robert Kobayashi; daughter, Jane Ellen Kobayashi; grandchildren, Scott Kobayashi, Lauren Jaccks, Daria and Aron Kobayashi-Ritch; great grandchild, Kira Jaccks; sister, Sandra (Noboru) Ikemoto; brothers-in-law, Yutaka (Maureen) and John (Ruby) Kobayashi; sister-in-law, Kiku Kanegawa; Barbara Kobayashi.

Being a Nisei, she experienced unfair prejudice during WWII. Her family was sent to the Tule Lake Internment Camp, but her father was determined that all his children would still go to college. He put Kiyomi on a train to St. Louis where her older brother was attending Washington University. She earned her high school diploma and then was accepted to the University of Wisconsin. She worked as an au pair for a family with two children for room and board. This experience during her early years made her a strong and independent woman.

Kiyomi had a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and a 20 year career as a registered dietitian. But what she’ll be remembered for the most is her talent as an artist in ceramics, oil painting, watercolor and ikebana. She created timely, creative, and beautiful pieces of art.

To support the story of the Nisei in America, donations can be sent to the Japanese American National Museum online at: www.janm.org/give

Please note that the gift is in memory of: George and Kiyomi Kobayashi.

Due to Covid, the family will hold two small private celebrations of her life. We are grateful for all the outpouring of love that has been sent in memory of her life.