Misao Namba
September 30, 1923 — February 1, 2017
Misao Namba was born on September 30, 1923 to Yutaka Mifune and Tsuneyo Kadoki in Okayama Japan. She passed away peacefully in the home of her daughter, Mitsuko Kawaoka, on February 1, 2017 in Calabasas, California. She was 93 years old.
Misao lived in California for 66 years, and was a housekeeper for both residential and commercial property for 25 years. She was a favorite of many of her employers whose families’ virtually adopted her. Misao enjoyed dinning, long conversations with friends, Japanese television and emotional movies. She stayed up on current events with a daily reading of the Rafu Shimpo, was an exercise enthusiast, and always maintained an immaculate appearance. Misao was greatly devoted to her family and was its fierce protector. She will be greatly missed by everyone who loved her.
Misao is predeceased by her husband, Kenji Namba. Ken was born on June 5, 1923 to Genjiro Namba and Shizuko Nakamura in Tacoma, Washington. He passed away peacefully in his home in Pico Rivera, California on June 1, 2014. Ken was 90 years old, four days short of his birthday.
After leaving Tacoma at an early age, Ken lived in Japan for a dozen years and held the occupation of accountant. He also served in the Japanese military. After returning to the United States, like many Nissei (second generation Japanese, native born Americans), he became a gardener and joined the Southern California Gardeners’ Federation. Ken’s most famous customers were Hollywood director Michael Todd and his young, starlet wife, Elizabeth Taylor. Ken enjoyed all sports, but was especially a fan of football, boxing and sumo wrestling. He was also an avid follower of the stock market and was an astute trader. Ken was well read and possessed a dry sense of humor.
Ken and Misao were married on December 27, 1952. In addition to Mitsuko they are survived by their sons, Cesar (Shizuo) Namba (Carol) of Santa Maria, and Jerry Namba (Jennifer) of Arroyo Grande. They are further survived by grandchildren Albert Kawaoka, Jane Lomvardes, Corey Namba, Daryan Namba, Chase Namba, Kelsey Namba, Shizuko Namba, Kylie Namba, and great grandchildren Akira Lomvardes, Kai Lomvardes, and Cali Kawaoka. In addition, Ken and Misao are survived by their respective sisters, Masae Namba of Oakland, California and Mariko Mifune of Okayama, Japan.
Condolences may be sent to the family through our website.
Misao lived in California for 66 years, and was a housekeeper for both residential and commercial property for 25 years. She was a favorite of many of her employers whose families’ virtually adopted her. Misao enjoyed dinning, long conversations with friends, Japanese television and emotional movies. She stayed up on current events with a daily reading of the Rafu Shimpo, was an exercise enthusiast, and always maintained an immaculate appearance. Misao was greatly devoted to her family and was its fierce protector. She will be greatly missed by everyone who loved her.
Misao is predeceased by her husband, Kenji Namba. Ken was born on June 5, 1923 to Genjiro Namba and Shizuko Nakamura in Tacoma, Washington. He passed away peacefully in his home in Pico Rivera, California on June 1, 2014. Ken was 90 years old, four days short of his birthday.
After leaving Tacoma at an early age, Ken lived in Japan for a dozen years and held the occupation of accountant. He also served in the Japanese military. After returning to the United States, like many Nissei (second generation Japanese, native born Americans), he became a gardener and joined the Southern California Gardeners’ Federation. Ken’s most famous customers were Hollywood director Michael Todd and his young, starlet wife, Elizabeth Taylor. Ken enjoyed all sports, but was especially a fan of football, boxing and sumo wrestling. He was also an avid follower of the stock market and was an astute trader. Ken was well read and possessed a dry sense of humor.
Ken and Misao were married on December 27, 1952. In addition to Mitsuko they are survived by their sons, Cesar (Shizuo) Namba (Carol) of Santa Maria, and Jerry Namba (Jennifer) of Arroyo Grande. They are further survived by grandchildren Albert Kawaoka, Jane Lomvardes, Corey Namba, Daryan Namba, Chase Namba, Kelsey Namba, Shizuko Namba, Kylie Namba, and great grandchildren Akira Lomvardes, Kai Lomvardes, and Cali Kawaoka. In addition, Ken and Misao are survived by their respective sisters, Masae Namba of Oakland, California and Mariko Mifune of Okayama, Japan.
Condolences may be sent to the family through our website.
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