Obituary of Tomie Nishihara

Tomie Nishihara passed peacefully at home on December 19, 2018. She was a beloved wife and a devoted mother to four children. Tomie was born on June 13, 1927, in Castleford, Idaho to Masazo and Asano Joo as the youngest of six children.

Her family was always Tomie’s top priority, and she provided unwavering attention to her husband and her children’s upbringing and long-term welfare.

Tomie was an avid seamstress who created numerous fashions for all members of her family (and herself). Tomie’s hand-sewn creations included custom clothing of all types – a modern sport coat for Alan and stylish shirts for Alan and Murray, all types of garments for Janet, and many dresses for Pam.

During infrequent visits with her older sister in California, Tomie would stay up all night talking and catching up with her sister. They must have understood that life is short.

One interesting note is that Tomie’s Idaho childhood home served as a temporary respite for several relatives during the relocation order affecting persons of Japanese descent living on the West Coast during World War II – relatives who were given the option of moving inland instead of being sent to an internment camp.

Tomie leaves behind her husband of more than 66 years, Sagie, and four children – Alan Nishihara of San Ramon, California, Janet Nishihara of Corvallis, Oregon, Murray (Cindy) Nishihara, granddaughter Kaitlyn (Josh), and great grandchildren Lily and Mason all of Ontario, Oregon, and Pamela Nishihara of Vale, Oregon.

Services will be held at the Idaho-Oregon Buddhist Temple in Ontario, Oregon at 11am on Monday, December 24, 2018. Arrangements are under the care of Lienkaemper Chapel, Vale.